Dec 7 2008
DuPont today announced it has introduced DuPont Active Layer RS renewably sourced moisture barrier films for use in carpet cushioning.
Active Layer RS films contain a minimum of 20 percent renewably sourced content by weight, derived from naturally occurring fatty acids and replaces existing moisture barrier films that are entirely petroleum-based. The product's initial application is in carpet cushioning from Carpenter Company, one of the largest producers of carpet cushioning in the United States.
As a key element of Carpenter's EnviroStep™ carpet cushioning technology, DuPont™ Active Layer RS moisture barrier film is laminated to the top surface of the cushion to prevent spills or liquids from soaking in. This makes it possible to pull spills back to the surface - eliminating damage to the sub-floor, preventing recurring stains and preventing the cushion from harboring permanent odors.
"High performance is critical to the successful adoption of bio-based products," said Keith J. Smith, vice president and general manager - DuPont Engineering Polymers. "DuPont market-driven science is paying off with new offerings such as DuPont™ Active Layer RS that provide comparable or better performance than the petrochemical-based materials they replace."
"As a leading manufacturer of carpet cushions, Carpenter Company makes it a priority not only to provide the highest quality products but also to make technological advancements to help safeguard consumers' homes and the environment," said Ken Thompsen, vice president - sales and marketing at Carpenter Company. "Our EnviroStep™ technology is the latest embodiment of that effort, and we are pleased indeed to have the valuable support of DuPont in our shift to films made with DuPont renewably sourced materials."
DuPont™ Active Layer RS moisture barrier film is the latest renewably sourced offering to the North America carpet cushion market. Mohawk SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer is a line of residential carpet that contains 37 percent renewable content by weight. This line of residential carpet provides a unique combination of both performance and environmental benefits. Performance benefits include exceptional softness, crush resistance and durability in addition to permanent, built-in stain resistance that will never wash or wear off. The carpet has a better environmental footprint than traditional nylon 6 carpets with less energy used and fewer greenhouse gas emissions emitted during manufacturing. As a result, if only 20 percent of the residential carpet sold in the United States was made with DuPont™ Sorona®, the energy equivalent of approximately 50 million gallons of gasoline per year could be saved.1
Other renewably sourced plastics from DuPont include DuPont™ Sorona® EP thermoplastic resins, DuPont™ Hytrel® RS thermoplastic elastomers, renewably sourced grades of DuPont™ Zytel® long chain polyamides, DuPont™ Biomax® PTT and Biomax® TPS packaging resins and DuPont™ Selar® VP packaging films.
Renewably sourced materials from DuPont offer several benefits over petroleum-based products. These products reduce dependence on petroleum and, in many instances, reduce the net production of greenhouse gases and energy consumption when compared to incumbent products. With today's innovative technologies, all this can be achieved without compromising performance. Applications for renewably sourced products cross numerous industries and markets. For more information and a complete listing of the DuPont renewably sourced product portfolio, visit http://www.renewable.dupont.com.