DuPont Receives Corporate Innovation Award
Science & Technology Chief Discusses DuPont Innovations that Address Energy Opportunities
Nashville, Tenn. (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 14, 2009 -- DuPont was named the 2009 recipient of the Corporate Innovation Award by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) for its role in delivering innovation that has made a substantial difference in the marketplace and global community.
Speaking at AIChE’s 2009 annual meeting, DuPont Senior Vice President and Chief Science & Technology Officer Uma Chowdhry said, “Science and engineering at DuPont create customized solutions that meet global societal needs. It is about meeting these needs with practical product solutions in a way that makes economic sense for each region and creates value for DuPont.”
Founded in 1802 with core values and scientific inquiry as key focus areas, DuPont is one of the world's most innovative and enduring companies. DuPont is one of four companies to appear on the original Dow 30 list in 1935 that remains on the Dow list today. DuPont science was recognized with two National Medals of Technology – in 2003 for the development of alternative refrigerant technology with reduced environmental impact and in 1990 for pioneering the development of high-performance polymers such as nylon, neoprene rubber and engineering plastics that revolutionized materials globally.
Chowdhry said, “DuPont is focused on delivering market-driven science to select industries where innovation will bring true value and societal change. These areas include increasing food production, protecting lives and the environment and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Our strengths are based on the ability to adapt to a changing world using science-based innovation.”
“Sustainable materials for energy efficient transportation, construction and industrial applications must become cost competitive to drive widespread adoption while alternate energy sources must achieve cost parity with those based on fossil fuels to drive meaningful levels of investment for deployment,” Chowdhry said.
“Our goal is to give customers an environmentally safer alternative to fossil fuels by creating new technologies with the greatest efficiency at an affordable price point,” Chowdhry said. “Cost effective, tailored solutions for both centralized and distributed energy will drive adoption of alternate energy sources and energy conservation across global markets.”
Chowdhry highlighted a sample of the breadth of DuPont’s energy portfolio, including:
Energy Conservation: The biggest impact to meet growing energy demand in the next five years will be in energy efficiency. In the past five years, DuPont has reduced its energy use by 16 percent while growing production 8 percent. This equates to an efficiency improvement (Btu's of energy consumed per pound of product made) of 22 percent since 2003. The company has saved more than $3 billion through energy efficiency projects. DuPont is expanding its energy efficiency work to its customers’ manufacturing processes and to the overall design of its products and technologies to reduce the total footprint over time. Examples of new innovation in this area include advanced polymers for light weighting transportation, unique construction materials to reduce heat loss and improved manufacturing processes to reduce energy use.
Renewable Feedstocks: The DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products operations in Loudon, Tenn., produce 100 percent renewably sourced propanediol that consumes about 40 percent less energy than the petroleum-derived process based on design data. The plant has been operating since November 2006.
Alternate Energy: The DuPont alternative energy portfolio includes photovoltaic solar energy, advanced biofuels and fuel cells. DuPont has invested in two joint ventures to bring its biofuels technologies to market. DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol (DDCE) is building its demonstration facility in Vonore, Tenn. It will be operational by the end of the year. Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels LLC, a joint venture with BP, will bring biobutanol to market. Biobutanol is an advanced biofuel with properties similar to gasoline.
Chowdhry said DuPont’s leadership as an innovator can be seen in the results delivered from its innovation investment. In 2008, DuPont realized more than $10.5 billion in revenue from products launched since 2004, or 35 percent of the company’s total sales. Since 2004, DuPont introduced more than 5,000 new products, received over 2,400 new patents and grew total company revenue to $30.5 billion. Today, 77 percent of DuPont’s $1.4 billion R&D budget is directed at three global megatrends of increasing food productivity, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and protecting lives.
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.
Contact:
Michelle Reardon
302-774-4005
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