DuPont Applauds President Obama and U.S. Senators for their Support of Biobased Innovations
Expanding USDA BioPreferred Program is Good for the Economy and Environment
Wilmington DE., MARCH 12, 2012 – DuPont today commended a recent presidential directive and new U.S. Senate proposed legislation that supports the growth of biobased products made from agricultural ingredients as good for the U.S. economy and the environment.
In February, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum calling for the expansion of the USDA BioPreferred Labeling Program and greater adoption of the program by federal agencies. The BioPreferred label certifies products are made with agricultural ingredients. The President has directed federal agencies to report on their purchases of BioPreferred certified products and asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to double the number of categories and products that are designated BioPreferred over the next 12 months. Additionally, the Grow It Here, Make It Here Bio-based Manufacturing Act introduced by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), with co-sponsoring senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) would provide additional support for the BioPreferred program and the U.S. biobased manufacturing industry.
“The President’s action and the Grow It Here Make It Here bill demonstrate that the administration and policymakers understand the value of U.S. leadership on innovative biobased products in the United States,” said James C. Collins, president, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “This action is a shot in the arm to America’s bioeconomy – helping support our overarching goals of boosting the U.S. agricultural sector and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum while offering a wealth of environmental and health benefits. This is U.S. innovation that can help create U.S. jobs for a growing global market for sustainable products.”
Research conducted last year by Genencor, now part of DuPont Industrial Biosciences, found that eight in 10 American consumers would definitely or likely purchase biobased household products if comparable on cost and effectiveness. In a survey of 800 of its business customers in 2011, DuPont found that nearly 90 percent said delivering products with environmental benefits is a long-term market opportunity.
Today, DuPont is applying its integrated science and deep knowledge of agriculture and applied materials to meet the sizeable and growing market demand for biobased products. Some of the existing products are certified with the USDA BioPreferred program while others are ingredients that can be used to help consumer goods manufacturers earn BioPreferred status. DuPont’s BioPreferred certified products include:
• DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer: One of the first of 11 products to be certified with the USDA BioPreferred program. Sorona® is an advanced biobased material used in the manufacturing of textiles, apparel, home, office and automotive interiors and carpets.
• *Zemea® Propanediol: Certified 100 percent Biobased by the USDA. Zemea® also is certified as a natural ingredient, replacing petroleum-based glycols in over 800 personal care products. It functions as a natural humectant and solvent. It also is used as a natural solvent in home cleaning products.
• *Susterra® Propanediol: Certified 100 percent Biobased by USDA. This product is a specialty glycol that offers a non-petroleum alternative for products such as polyurethanes, heat transfer fluids and aviation de-icing fluids. Benefits include improved cold temperature flexibility in polyurethane systems, improved service life in heat transfer fluids and excellent aviation de-icing performance even in extreme cold conditions.
Additional DuPont biobased products include:
• DuPont™ Hytrel® RS Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer: This renewably sourced polyol is used to manufacture hoses and tubing for automotive and industrial uses as well as for air bag doors and energy dampers.
• DuPont™ Zytel® RS Renewably Sourced Nylon Resin: This product is made from sebacic acid derived from castor oil, a non-food competing natural product. It is used in a wide range of manufactured goods.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Sorona®, Hytrel® and Zytel® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
*Zemea® Propanediol and Susterra® Propanediol are registered trademarks of DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products LLC.
Learn more about Susterra® and Zemea® propanediol