Study: Consumer's Demand for Sustainable Products Remains Strong

Wilmington, Del. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 21, 2009 – A study of consumer environmental purchasing habits shows that demand for sustainable offerings remains strong despite the recent downturn in the economy. According to a recent Cone Consumer Survey (February 2009), 44 percent of consumers say their "green" buying habits remain unchanged despite the current economy and one-third of consumers say they are more likely to buy green today than they were previously. The DuPont portfolio of renewably sourced products is seeing an increase in demand, among well-known market brands such as Izod®, Timberland® and others for fashion apparel, Method Products, Inc. in products like "Squeaky Green" laundry detergent and others.

"The demand signals from the markets we serve are strong. Our products offer both improved performance and a significantly reduced environmental footprint," said John P. Ranieri, vice president and general manager — DuPont BioMaterials. "In fact, delivering high-quality products with an environmental benefit makes great business sense. Customer demand for these products has nearly doubled since the opening of the first bio-based production lines in 2006, and this portfolio represents a $14 billion market opportunity."

DuPont launched its renewably sourced product line in 2007, offering leading manufacturers the ability to replace petroleum-derived materials with those made from renewably sourced materials. These products reduce environmental impact while offering superior performance. The portfolio began with DuPont™ Sorona® polymer and has grown into nine renewable product families that contain a minimum of 20 percent renewable content by weight and serve both the consumer and industrial markets.

Below are just a few examples of the renewably sourced product portfolio.

Apparel

• Designers currently using Sorona® include: Izod®, Timberland®, Calvin Klein Golf, EcoDesignz – under the Spun Bamboo® brand – and the Victorinox Swiss Army Altius 2.0 product line. In Italy, designer Bruno Banani recently launched his "Jump & Run" collection with Sorona® based BIOPHYL from Advansa.

Residential Flooring

• Mohawk Industries' SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer with permanent and natural stain resistance and superior durability and resilience.
• The EnviroStep™ carpet cushion from Carpenter was launched earlier this year and is made using DuPont™ Active Layer RS moisture barrier film, which is laminated to the top surface of the cushion to prevent spills or liquids from soaking in.

Sporting Goods

• The collar of the new Salomon "Ghost" freerider alpine ski-boot constitutes one of the first commercial uses worldwide of DuPont™ Hytrel® RS thermoplastic elastomer.
• Two high-performance pleasure craft from Campion Boats were recently tested on open water. The two boats, Campion's Chase 550 and 600, were made using Ashland's ENVIREZ® bio-based resin technology in their hulls, liners and decks. The resin is made using Susterra® renewably sourced propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products.

Personal Care and Household Products – There are over 50 consumer products globally that use Zemea® as a part of their formulations. Examples include:

• philosophy®, a lifestyle skincare and cosmetic brand with a unique position that combines science with an emotional connection, recently launched four new consumer skin care products. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, philosophy.com and philosophy retail stores.
• Formulators of professional and spa products from Biotone.
• Last year, Method launched their "Squeaky Green" HE compatible laundry detergent and liquid dish soaps.

Automotive/Transportation

Renewably sourced materials are of increased interest to the automotive and transportation sectors.

"The combination of greenhouse gas reduction, lower energy consumption and performance enhancement has caught the eye of many automotive design engineers looking for a greater palette of materials," said Patrick Ferronato, global director -- DuPont Automotive Performance Materials. "We have several active programs, including headlamp bezels, seating, carpets, hose and tubing."

• Development programs are ongoing with most of the global automotive manufacturers.
• Plant-derived DuPont™ Zytel® 610 nylon resin debuted in March on a new automotive radiator end tank from DENSO Corp. This product introduction marks the first use of DuPont renewably sourced plastic in mechanical components exposed to the hot, chemically aggressive underhood environment.
• Kilfrost LTD in the United Kingdom uses Susterra® as the base glycol in its DFSustain™ Type I Aircraft Wing Deicing Fluid product.
• In the United States, Cryotech Deicing Technology is producing BX-36 renewably sourced runway deicing fluid with Susterra®.

For more information and a complete listing of the DuPont™ Renewably Sourced™ product portfolio, visit www.renewable.dupont.com.

DuPont is a science-based products and services 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 and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

5/21/09