LYCRA, the miracle fabric invented by Dupont in 1949 which can be stretched but always returns to its original shape, is part of the Dupont textiles division, currently up for sale for $5 billion. It can be mixed with leather and other materials and has had great success in the fashion business. Allied to leather, it has been the subject of several law suits as Dupont proved their absolute right to the patented product.
Dupont are currently in talks with Koch Industries, Kansas, a huge private company with diverse interests which include the natural gas liquids used in the manufacture of synthetic fibres. The Lycra division turned in profits of $72 million last year on sales of $6.3 billion.
