DuPont unveil novel water-resistant technology

DuPont have announced a breakthrough technology for leather products that withstands rainstorms outside, and washing machines at home. The new DuPont system for tanning leather, called Hydrology, offers attributes that have never been available together for leather: weather-resistance, washable and dryable in household appliances, colourfast, breathable, stain- and soil-resistant. 'With DuPont Hydrology, you can finally wear suede and natural leather in any weather. These leather products look, feel, and smell of natural leather, are washer-dryer safe, and retain their original fit', said Tom Samples, business manager, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise. 'It's DuPont science at its best, bringing freedom through innovation. 'Hydrology is a major leap forward for consumer products. It takes leathergoods to an entirely new level. We're looking forward to offering our customers products protected with DuPont Hydrology leather tanning science', said Tom Lewis, president, Boston Harbour, LLC. He added: 'Not only is this technology desired and creates unique products, but it also delivers the fashion that the market wants - garment washed leathers'. Leather protected by Hydrology will soon be available for products such as coats and jackets, handbags, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, briefcases, luggage and pillows. Products protected by Hydrology will provide consumers with superior stain and soil resistance, achieved by using DuPont Teflon technology. Hydrology has been studied and tested through hours of severe simulated rain testing, and consistently demonstrates performance better than competitively treated leathers. For example, flex testing leather with Hydrology achieves more than 150,000 flexes versus competitive standards of 30,000 flexes. And when you wash leather with Hydrology, it dries in half the time of competitively treated leather. DuPont have already certified a number of tanneries globally to utilise the Hydrology leather tanning science. The company will work closely with each tannery to customise the technology and maximise results. Consumers can expect to see leather products protected by Hydrology in 2007. 'Hydrology now makes it possible for designers in the hospitality industry to use leather in ways in which they couldn't even conceive before', said Bill Chionis, president, Divine Products. 'We believe the response to this amazing product will be overwhelming once the industry has the opportunity to experience it.'