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DuPont Engineering Polymers is perhaps the first plastic material supplier to introduce engineering resins and TPEs based on renewable resources. Its new biopolymer-based products are Sorona polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) resin and Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE). Although not biodegradable, these materials are made using corn sugar-derived propanediol (PDO) which is derived using a patented bacterial fermentation process.

Says Dupont: "[The materials will] reduce dependence on petrochemical sourcing and bring a positive impact on the environmental lifecycle of products." They'll be available in mid to late 2007.

Sorona exhibits performance and molding characteristics similar to PBT but with improved surface appearance and gloss. The new TPE will show a broader-use temperature range and better elastic recovery than current Hytrel materials.