DuPont is renowned for its commitment to science, innovation and tackling global challenges with sustainable solutions. With a mission to address pressing issues, DuPont leverages its expertise in materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, and engineering. Core values like safety, health, respect, ethical behavior, and environmental protection guide every move. Recently, at Eurosatory 2024, Mr. Steven LaGanke shed light on these principles and introduced DuPont’s groundbreaking material, Kevlar® EXO™.
Leading the Charge in R&D
DuPont’s technological leadership spans several critical areas: electronics, automotives, water scarcity, and protective materials. This technological expertise is supported by a robust research and development (R&D) framework that integrates scientific discovery, product development, application engineering, and process improvements. At the heart of DuPont’s R&D ecosystem is their Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware. One of the world’s first industrial R&D facilities, it has been the birthplace of groundbreaking products like Kevlar® and Tyvek®.
Protecting People and the Planet
Sustainability drives DuPont’s innovation. Built on the pillars of Innovate, Protect, and Empower, DuPont is championing a circular economy, emphasizing product lifecycle sustainability and waste reduction. Safe and sustainable innovation practices are integral to DuPont’s design philosophy, ensuring that new products not only meet performance standards but also contribute positively to the environment. DuPont has set 2030 sustainability targets that include reducing Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from the 2019 base year, achieving carbon neutrality in operations by 2050, and sourcing 60% of power from renewable sources by 2030.
Kevlar® EXO™: A Leap Forward in Body Armor
DuPont’s latest breakthrough, Kevlar® EXO™, marks a significant advancement in body armor technology. Originally invented in 1965 for lightweight tires, Kevlar® evolved into a premier ballistic material. After over a decade of development, Kevlar® EXO™ now boasts 30-40% greater strength than its predecessors. This allows users to prioritize either strength or weight, utilizing up to 40% less material while maintaining the same protection level.
Kevlar® EXO™ isn’t just stronger; it’s also more flexible and comfortable, catering to diverse body types. But it’s not DuPont that says this, it’s the end users. Mr. LaGanke reveals he recently led a focus group formed of officers where all participants thought that the body armor made from Kevlar® EXO™ was more comfortable:
“I had a focus group of officers who were able to try on different armor and give us feedback on whether or not it improved the comfort. And when you make body armor with Kevlar® EXO™, it is much more conformable, and much more comfortable.”
This key characteristic makes it ideal given the growing number of women in law enforcement and the unique challenges involved in protecting a woman’s body compared to a man’s. Mr. LaGanke claims that the comfort and flexibility it offers was the prime reason for its use in body vests, but also mentions that the material will be part of ballistic helmets as well. The resistance it has to trauma is still being researched at the moment.
Furthermore, Kevlar® EXO™ supports DuPont’s sustainability goals. Its production process avoids harmful substances, uses less material for equivalent protection, recycles remnants, and repurposes expired vests. This innovative approach underscores DuPont’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
In the exciting video interview below you can see Mr. Steven LaGanke, Global Business Leader at DuPont , discussing their new Kevlar® EXO™. Don’t miss this insightful video where Steven LaGanke shares his expertise and details about this innovative product.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
DuPont’s relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability, backed by its technological leadership, positions it as a pioneer. The company continues to create solutions that meet today’s needs while paving the way for a sustainable future. With Kevlar® EXO™ and other cutting-edge developments, DuPont is not just keeping pace with the times—it’s setting the standard.
