DuPont de Nemours

Manufacturer of synthetic fibers. It is one of the most important in the world. It was established in 1802 by Eleuthère DuPont de Nemours, in Wilmington, Delaware, to produce gunpowder. The second generation at Du Pont diversified production to include wool manufacture. In 1920, the company acquired the license to manufacture cellophane and rayon, at the time a French patent. In the late 1930s, it launched nylon, a polyamide material, in which it is still the world leader. Then came Dacron polyester and Orlon acrylic. The Lycra elastomer came out in 1959. A segmented polyurethane generally listed among synthetic fibers, it is always used in a blend with other fibers, and it allows the thread to expand to seven times its length before returning to its original size. Extremely thin, it can be white, opaque, or transparent. A more recent product is Tactel, an innovative polyamide that is extremely soft, light, shiny, and opaque, and particularly suitable for versatile threads, effect threads and fashion textiles. Tactel threads include Aquator, for strong fabrics that have a soft feel ; Diabolo, for brilliance and draping; Micro, for a soft feel and rich texture; and Multisoft, for covering quality and brightness.”
The latest revolutionary bra by DuPont Lycra combines fashion, technology, and cosmetics. It doesn’t have hooks or shoulder straps. It adheres to the body thanks to special interchangeable adhesive bands that release a hydrating, toning cream when in contact with the skin. This amazing bra, called Cosmetic Touch Up, has been patented all over the world by Piera Pischedda. It is made in a very light breathable fabric (Sensitive Plus by EuroJersey) that is 28% Lycra. It is available in two models, one with separate cups and another with front and side support bands which end under the arms and leave the back completely bare.
Sales in the textile division continue to fall, down 3% compared to the previous year. Only in the last quarter of 2002 is there a 5% increase, of $1.6 billion, due to demand for spandex and nylon for clothing, for fibers used in furnishings, and for intermediate products. But the total turnover for 2002 is down, settling around $24 billion.
The “never ending history” concerning the possible sale of the textile division continues.
The big success of the DuPont Textile & Interiors web-site continues. Limits on international travel due to terrorism, war, and, not least, the SARS epidemic, contribute to an increase in activity and business on the web-site, up 900% compared to 2002. The online archive, launched in 2001, makes it possible to request samples of more than 22,000 fabrics manufactured with Du Pont fibers, which are made by 476 partner producers in 64 countries.
A partnership agreement is signed between DuPont Textiles & Interiors and the Korean company Huvis, which is a leader in polyester products. It will enable the development of new innovative products and the mutual use of technologies and brands. Huvis receives a license to use the DuPont brands in the Korean market. The strategic alliance with Huvis follows those already existing with Ciba (for Teflon), Outlast, and DDC Labs.
The Lycra brand escapes the limits of the textile industry and enters cosmetics. DuPont signs a license agreement with the New York company Coty. It is expected that within a short time a specific cosmetics line will be launched. Among the brands owned by DuPont Textiles, which is active in 70 countries with an annual turnover of about $6.3 billion, besides Lycra, are Teflon, Stainmaster, Antron, Coolmax, Thermolite, Cordura, Supplex, and Tacte.