DuPont Composite Recycle Technology Captures Top Environmental Award

TROY, Mich., Feb. 19, 2004 -- DuPont Composite Recycle Technology and the joint program with DENSO Corp. to test its viability captured the 2004 environmental award for New Technology in Materials and Processes from the Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers. DuPont Engineering Polymers and DENSO Corp. accepted the award today at the annual Global Environmental Conference (GPEC) in Detroit.

DuPont Composite Recycle Technology, a closed-loop nylon recycling process, can convert parts made of glass- or mineral-filled nylon 6 or 66 into first-use quality material in a way that is economically viable and environmentally responsible. In addition to employing breakthrough technology, the program is unique in that it inspires collaboration along the value chain to help promote the long-term economic viability for recycling.

Composite Recycle dissolves used polyamide then filters away contaminants and fillers. The molecular weight of the recovered polyamide is increased to whatever level is desired for the final application. This process generates resin that is essentially equivalent to virgin nylon.

Since DuPont Engineering Polymers and DENSO announced a joint development program to test the viability of this technology by converting used radiator end tanks into new radiator end tanks, DENSO has completed material and in-use component testing. The results indicate: "this technology can be one of the most effective recycling technologies for increasing the recycle ratio of End of Life Vehicles (ELV) in the future," according to DENSO.

The European Union ELV directive requires that 85 percent of a vehicle, measured by weight, be capable of recovery and reuse by the end of 2005 (the current figure for recycling is about 75 percent, which primarily relates to the metal content).

"The promise of value grows greater with each development activity," said William Hsu, vice president and chief technical officer of DuPont Performance Materials. DuPont Engineering Polymers is a unit of the DuPont Performance Materials business platform.

"The ability to reclaim large glass and mineral filled nylon components such as radiator end tanks or potentially other components made of nylon can help automakers meet new regulations, but the benefit to society is that the landfill waste is reduced," he said.

"This technology enables automakers to proceed with more practical recycle programs for many plastics parts," said Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, general manager of DENSO material engineering department.

DuPont Engineering Polymers has led the industry in developing new technologies to help manage the lifecycle of plastics. "Through years of discovery and breakthrough, we realize there is no single, silver bullet as it relates to recycling nylon and engineering plastics," said Hsu. "Our vision is to collaborate with our partners along the value chain to understand what needs to be done and then employ technology and lifecycle tools to develop materials solutions that are safe, economically sustainable and reduce overall environmental footprint."

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components. Worldwide, the company employs 90,000 people in 31 countries and regions including Japan. Consolidated global sales for the year ended March 31, 2003, totaled US$ 19.4 billion. For further information, please visit www.globaldenso.com .

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.

Note: High-resolution images are available on the news sites for plastics.dupont.com or automotive.dupont.com .

DuPont Composite Recycle Technology will be on display in booth 1643 at the 2004 SAE World Congress, March 8-11 in Detroit.