Newest DuPont Water-Based Coatings Mark 30 Years of Reducing Solvents and Greenhouse Gases
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WILMINGTON, Del., May 29 / -- The introduction of two new DuPont water-based finishes marks the company's 30th year of developing coatings with reduced environmental impact. DuPont(TM) Cromax® Pro was designed to help collision repair shops meet stricter emissions regulations that take effect in 2009 in California. Similar regulations are expected in Canada. New DuPont(TM) Imron® ZV HG polyurethane enamel is a water-based version of a coating that became known for its "wet look."
"Our track record of reducing the use of solvents and their contribution to greenhouse gas formation began in the late 1970s," said Terry Caloghiris, group vice president -- DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies. "With these products, we can help our customers meet their own sustainability goals while maintaining or enhancing performance."
DuPont Industrial Coatings also is working on new water-based products in addition to DuPont(TM) Imron® ZV HG polyurethane enamel. The new chemistry greatly reduces the release of volatile organic compounds. Imron® is designed for use in areas where durability and appearance are paramount. Routine applications include hospitals, amusement parks, schools and machinery. However, creative designers and manufacturers have used it on products such as electric guitars, bicycles, tennis racquets and motorcycles.
DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies makes finishes for new cars, coatings for use in the collision repair industry and a broad range of industrial finishes. The unit also includes DuPont Titanium Technologies, the world's largest maker of titanium dioxide, a pigment widely used in coatings.
DuPont Refinish -- the business that provides paint products to the collision repair industry -- has earmarked about 25 percent of its 2007 R&D budget for the development of new water-based coatings.
In recent years, the DuPont OEM Coatings business, working in partnership with major automotive manufacturers, has converted many of its new car products from solvent-borne to water-based products. Reductions in solvent use also have been achieved through the development of high-solids finishes. The company recently won a 2007 PACE Award from the authoritative publication Automotive News for the development of a system that eliminated an entire coat from a waterborne paint system in an auto assembly plant. The new system added substantial financial benefits to the environmental pluses of using water-based coatings.
DuPont -- one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 16 years ago -- has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment like DuPont water-based coatings. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets, including products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as DuPont water- based coatings.
DuPont (NYSE:DD) 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.
First Call Analyst: Carl Lukach
FCMN Contact: marie.l.beletti-2@usa.dupont.com
Source: DuPont
CONTACT: Rick Straitman of DuPont, +1-302-999-5226, richard.a.straitman@usa.dupont.com
Web site: http://www.dupont.com/
