DuPont(TM) SuperSolids(TM) Received EPA Clean Air Excellence Award

TROY, Mich., April 3 -- DuPont received the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Excellence Award on March 20. The EPA recognized DuPont(TM) SuperSolids(TM) ultra-low emissions clearcoat technology that lowers volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions more than 25 percent, while also improving scratch and mar resistance 60 percent. Edward J. Donnelly, group vice president of DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies, accepted the award on behalf of DuPont during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

The first commercial application of SuperSolids(TM) clearcoat is on the 2002-03 Dodge Durango, produced at the DaimlerChrysler Newark, Del. assembly plant.

Fast Facts:

* Donnelly attributes the success of SuperSolids(TM) to close cooperation between DuPont coatings experts and DaimlerChrysler engineers to ensure this technology delivers excellent results in actual production.

* New analytical technology was crucial in the research and development of SuperSolids(TM), which was conducted at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Del. and the Troy Laboratories at DuPont Automotive headquarters in Troy, Mich.

* In addition to lowering VOC emissions 25 percent, SuperSolids(TM) eliminates more than 80 percent of the Hazardous Air Pollutant emissions from the complete top-coat process.

* SuperSolids(TM) reduces odor 50 percent from the painting process. DuPont achieves 65 percent solid content in the paint through SuperSolids(TM), surpassing the current industry-best standard of 50 percent. DuPont has demonstrated technology to raise solids content to nearly 90 percent, further reducing dependence on solvents to thin and disperse paint to significantly lower environmental impact.

* SuperSolids(TM) are applied with existing liquid paint equipment without additional hardware costs for applying paint and add-on emissions equipment, generating potential cost savings of up to $20 million per plant.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont(TM) and SuperSolids(TM) are trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For an image of the award presentation or more information, please contact Keena Toth at +1-248-641-1446, or ktoth@eisbrenner.com .