Leather Protected with New DuPont™ Hydrology™ Leather Tanning Science Weathers Everything from Rain, Sleet, and Snow to Washing Machines

Hydrology™Makes Leather Weather-Resistant, Washable-Dryable, & Leather Retains Original Fit

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 5, 2006 – DuPont is announcing a breakthrough technology for leather products that withstands rainstorms outside, and washing machines at home.

The new DuPont system for tanning leather, called Hydrology™ offers a suite of extraordinary attributes that have never been available together for leather: weather-resistance, washable and dryable in household appliances, colorfast, breathable, stain- and soil- resistant.

“With DuPont™ Hydrology™, you can finally wear suede and natural leather in any weather. These leather products look, feel, and smell of natural leather, are washer-dryer safe, and retain their original fit,” said Tom Samples, business manager, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise. “It’s DuPont science at its best, bringing freedom through innovation.”  

“Hydrology™ is a major leap forward for consumer products. It takes leather goods to an entirely new level. We’re looking forward to offering our customers products protected with DuPont™ Hydrology™ leather tanning science,” said Tom Lewis, president, Boston Harbour, LLC.  He further added, “Not only is this technology desired and creates unique products, but it also delivers the fashion that the market wants -- garment washed leathers.”

Leather protected by Hydrology™ will soon be available for products such as coats and jackets, handbags, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, briefcases, luggage and pillows.

And, products protected by Hydrology™ will provide consumers with superior stain and soil resistance, achieved by using DuPont™ Teflon® technology.

Hydrology™ has been studied and tested through hours of severe simulated rain testing, and consistently demonstrates performance better than competitively treated leathers.  For example, in flex testing leather with Hydrology™ achieves more than 150,000 flexes versus competitive standards of 30,000 flexes. And, when you wash leather with Hydrology™, it dries in half the time of competitively treated leather.

DuPont showcased the new leather tanning system at the ACLE (All China Leather Expo) in Shanghai on Sept., 5, 2006. 

DuPont has already certified a number of tanneries globally to utilize the Hydrology™ leather tanning science. The company works closely with each tannery to customize the technology to maximize results based upon the leather substrate. DuPont™ Hydrology™ employs a total systems approach to tanning the leather and delivers a deep penetrating protection against weather, nature’s elements, stains* and soil.

Consumers can expect to see leather products protected by Hydrology™ in 2007.

“Hydrology™ now makes it possible for designers in the hospitality industry to use leather in ways in which they couldn’t even conceive before,” said Bill Chionis, president, Divine Products.   “We believe the response to this amazing product will be overwhelming once the industry has the opportunity to experience it.”

For more information about DuPont™ Hydrology™, visit hydrology.dupont.com

DuPont is a science 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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9/5/06

* Stain and soil protection achieved by using DuPont™ Teflon® technology

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Hydrology™, and Teflon® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont.

Contact: 
Carolmarie Brown
302-892-8268 – office
302-353-8917 - cell phone
carolmarie.c.brown@usa.dupont.com