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Cerenol™ is an ideal soft segment for several thermoplastic elastomers used in applications such as ski boots.

DuPont recently was recognized for the invention and manufacture of DuPont™ Cerenol™ renewably sourced polyols by the Plastics Environmental Division of the Society for Plastics Engineers (SPE) with its 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award.

Hari Sunkara, research associate, Central Research & Development, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of DuPont. Hari is the inventor or co-inventor of more than 100 patents for Cerenol™ or applications using Cerenol™.

“We are pleased that SPE continues to recognize the portfolio of polymers DuPont has developed through integration of cutting-edge biotechnology, chemistry and engineering,” said Ray Miller, Cerenol™ global business manager, DuPont Applied BioSciences.  “Cerenol™ is a unique family of polyols which has proven to be an excellent replacement for petroleum products in a wide variety of elastomeric materials, and we look forward to its broad adoption as the industry moves toward more sustainable plastics.”

Cerenol™ is a family of 100 percent renewably sourced, high-performance polyols (polyetherdiols). Versions of Cerenol™ can replace petroleum-based ingredients or even finished products without compromising functionality. Unlike petroleum-based or other plant-based alternatives, DuPont™ Cerenol™ is easily tailored to meet specific needs and performs better in many end uses while providing significant environmental benefits.

Compared to existing alternatives such as polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), Cerenol™ from cradle to gate -- meaning when it leaves the manufacturing plant -- offers a 40 percent savings in non-renewable energy and a 42 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.