DuPont's first biologically derived polymer receives global recognition

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 4, 2005 – DuPont's newest polymer innovation, the first DuPont polymer derived from a biological source, has been recognized by the China State Intellectual Property Office and China Central Television (CCTV) as "Most Visionary Innovation" at a recent award ceremony.

Also, on Feb. 25, DuPontTM Sorona® will receive the 2005 "New Technologies in Renewable Materials and Processes" award at the Global Plastics and Environmental Conference, sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). Founded in 1942, SPE has membership of more than 20,000 plastics professionals in the United States and more than 70 countries around the world. Conference Chairman Tim Kettering said, "The story of Sorona® is unique because it demonstrates that the use of renewable materials and processes can create new performance technologies and products."

At the January 2005 Innovative Design Night, sponsored by the China State Intellectual Property Office and state-run CCTV, Sorona® was selected as the "Most Visionary Innovation" in the sports and health category. Fabrics made with Sorona® for active wear, apparel and sportswear are commercially available through Chinese fiber and fabric manufacturers. More than 1,000 products from multinational and local companies were considered for this recognition.

The judging panel commented, "Chemical fibers can now be made with natural ingredients. This will reduce the dependency of traditional chemical fiber products on oil resources. It will be another bold attempt in the innovative use of renewable resources. Crops and plants are becoming the most reliable backup power for the resource consumption of humans and will serve to further protect the environment."

DuPontTM Sorona® offers unique properties to consumers and manufacturers. Consumers appreciate the unique qualities that DuPontTM Sorona® brings to fabrics, including exceptional softness, easy care, and UV- and chlorine-resistance. Mills and manufacturers appreciate its easy dyeability and handling. In addition, products made with Sorona® are naturally stain resistant, requiring no additional chemical treatment to prevent stains. Sorona® can be used in a variety of applications including soft floor covering, textiles for apparel and interiors, engineering resins and packaging.

DuPont scientists recently developed a way to make Bio-PDOTM, the key Sorona® ingredient, from corn using a new biological process that requires over 40 percent less total energy than the traditional petrochemical feedstock. It will be commercially available in 2006.

In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented DuPont with its annual "Presidential Green Chemistry Award" for the company's research leading to the development of Bio-PDOTM.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

02/04/05

The DuPont Oval, DuPontTM, The miracles of scienceTM, Bio-PDOTM and Sorona® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Editor's note: High-resolution photos of Sorona® fibers and textile applications can be downloaded at: http://www1.dupont.com/NASApp/dupontglobal/corp/index.jsp?page=/news/releases/media/science_technology.html. Please scroll down once you get to the abo.

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