DuPont Active Layer Makes its Debut at Outdoor Retailer
DuPont must be kicking themselves over having lost Bill Gore, the engineer who once worked for them and then went off to start his own company producing among other things GoreTex, probably the world’s best known waterproof and breathable fabric.
Now DuPont is striking back with their own version. It may be almost 30 years late, but there you go.
The new fabric looks as if it will be marketed as a cheaper alternative to GoreTex, and won’t come with Gore’s guarantees that the jacket design and construction meets a minimum standard. That said, a bit more competition in this market can’t hurt and may push Gore to drop their prices a bit – something which seems to have been happening over the past few years anyhow. This is what DuPont had to say on the matter in their press statement to PRNewsWire:
WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DuPont (NYSE: DD)today unveiled the DuPont(TM) Active Layer at the 2005 Outdoor Retailer SummerMarket in Salt Lake City. A new scientifically engineered film, theDuPont(TM) Active Layer provides waterproof and windproof protection to activeapparel that helps people stay dry and comfortable during inclement weatherconditions. The DuPont(TM) Active Layer is featured in a variety of clothingproducts, such as ski and snowboard gloves, winter sports jackets, golf raingear, shoes and hunting apparel. The Active Layer manages moisture through an impenetrable yet breathablelayer of film of high quality construction that provides superior functionalperformance. Also, the film is recyclable if used with 100 percent polyesterfabrics. Beyond apparel, DuPont(TM) Active Layer is finding increasingacceptance in many end uses requiring waterproof, breathable and windproofcharacteristics, such as operating room gowns, some personal protectiveapparel, backpacks, sleeping bags and bedding covers. “Whether you’re skiing on a snow-capped mountain, playing golf in windyand wet conditions or trekking across a rain-soaked parking lot, DuPont(TM)Active Layer provides outstanding comfort and protection,” said Greg Hindman,DuPont Active Layer Program Manager.
“The DuPont(TM) Active Layer continuesour rich tradition of providing superior quality products to the marketplace.” DuPont is in the process of finalizing the details of a marketing programthat would be available to retailers, allowing them to affix a DuPont(TM)Active Layer hangtag to their active apparel.
“Consumers know and trust the DuPont brand and they expect productscarrying the DuPont brand to deliver high performance and quality,” saidHindman. DuPont has a long history of scientific innovations in consumer materials,and DuPont(TM) Active Layer continues that tradition. In addition, DuPont’sglobal manufacturing capabilities will provide laminators, brand houses andretailers access to the DuPont(TM) Active Layer product around the world.Combined with the high consumer perception of the DuPont name, the company isable to consistently deliver high-quality, innovative products like theDuPont(TM) Active Layer. Outdoor Retailer is recognized as the tradeshow venue of choice for theOutdoor Specialty Industry and is the leading business-to-business tradeevent, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates andmedia to conduct the business of the recreational outdoors. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to workby creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier lifefor people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers awide range of innovative products and services for markets includingagriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection,home and construction, transportation and apparel. The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM) and Active Layerare registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
SOURCE DuPont