We are thrilled to announce that DuPont Life Protection has won the inaugural Body Armor Innovation Award 2024for their game-changing material, Kevlar® EXO™! This incredible achievement celebrates a major leap forward in body armor technology, reaffirming DuPont’s relentless drive to innovate and set new standards in protection.
The Road to Victory
The competition began with 15 cutting-edge innovations from various companies in the personal protection industry. From this initial group, eight innovations advanced to the long list, with the final four being MKU, Avient Corporation, Teijin Aramid, and Dupont Life Protection. Each of these finalists showcased innovative solutions aimed at advancing body armor technology.
The award process was influenced by both a public vote and an expert panel of industry professionals. Dupont Life Protection emerged as the overall winner with a total of 40 points after receiving the highest percentage of votes from the public and additional support from the expert panel.
Public Vote Results
The public played a critical role in the award, with each finalist vying for votes. Dupont Life Protection secured 35% of the public vote, earning 20 points, putting them well ahead of the competition. Teijin Aramid followed in second place with 24% of the vote and 10 points, while MKU came third with 22% and 5 points. Finally, Avient Corporation took fourth place in the public vote.
Expert Panel Results
In addition to the public vote, three respected industry experts—Michael Bundy, Iwan Luiten, and Jake Ganor—evaluated the finalists. They each awarded 10 points to their first-place pick and 5 points to their runner-up.
- Michael Bundy awarded first place to Dupont Life Protection, praising Kevlar® EXO™ for its 30% weight reduction, improved flexibility, and increased comfort. According to Bundy, “Kevlar EXO’s combination of lightweight design, superior protection, and enhanced comfort makes it a leader in the industry.”
- Iwan Luiten selected Avient’s Dyneema® SB301 for first place, citing its innovative fiber technology and sustainability focus, with Dupont Life Protection as his runner-up.
- Jake Ganor also placed Avient’s SB301 first for its breakthrough in fiber technology and awarded second place to MKU, highlighting the potential of their KAVRO DOMA 360 helmet for specialized roles.
Kevlar® EXO™: A Revolutionary Innovation
Dupont’s Kevlar® EXO™ represents a major leap forward in body armor technology, offering 30% less weight than traditional Kevlar® while maintaining robust ballistic protection. The material combines thinner, more flexible armor panels with enhanced comfort, making it ideal for high-performance applications in the law enforcement and military sectors. This lightweight innovation is expected to set a new standard for future body armor solutions, further strengthened by Dupont’s partnership with Point Blank.
Recognition and Future Outlook
As the winner of the Body Armor Innovation Award 2024, Dupont Life Protection will be honored with:
- A trophy commemorating their achievement.
- A three-month banner position on BodyArmorNews.com, ensuring visibility within the global personal protection community.
- A dedicated feature article, spotlighting their innovation for industry professionals worldwide.
Finalists and Notable Innovations
In addition to Dupont Life Protection’s victory, the other finalists showcased remarkable innovations:
#2. Avient Corporation – Dyneema® SB301
#3. MKU – KAVRO DOMA 360 Helmet
#4. Teijin Aramid – Circular Twaron® Initiative
This year’s competition highlights the exciting future of body armor technology, with companies pushing the limits of protection, sustainability, and performance.
Congratulations to Dupont Life Protection for their well-deserved victory and for setting a new benchmark in personal protection.
Stay tuned to BodyArmorNews.com for more updates on the latest advancements in body armor technology.
