DuPont seeks Teflon innovations

DuPont Fluoropolymer Solutions (Wilmington, DE) is accepting entries for the 2008 Plunkett Awards for Innovation & Sustainability in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa, and Asia Pacific. Named after DuPont scientist Roy Plunkett, who discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which came to be branded Teflon in 1938, the awards recognize businesses around the world for their innovative application of DuPont fluoropolymers. Marking the 70th anniversary of Teflon, the 2008 Plunkett Awards have added sustainability selection criteria, increased award values, and now recognize honorable mentions.

The Plunkett Awards recognize processors or users of fabricated products made with DuPont fluoropolymers that have created new or improved products in various industries, including semiconductors, waterproof and breathable apparel, cookware, data-communication cables, automotive, aerospace and renewable energy. Submissions are judged innovation, use, and sustainability, among other criteria. The sustainability standard measures whether the submission helps reduce environmental impact through lower energy consumption, lower water consumption, reduction in material/weight, and reduced waste.

Applications must have been in commercial service no more than five years prior to entry (August 1, 2003), and the 2008 Plunkett Award entry period is open until Jan. 15, 2009. A first, second, and third place award will be granted in each region, with cash prizes of $7500, $5000, and $2500, with Honorable Mentions winners earning $500 to $1000. More information is available at http://dupont.com/plunkett.