DuPont leader says biotechnology can address global mega trends

• Increased Food Production: Investments in advanced plant breeding are increasing food production today with innovations such as Y Series Soybeans from DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred, which have 5-10 percent more yield.
• Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels: A versatile fiber from DuPont called Sorona® has all the positive attributes of nylon, but features an environmentally improved manufacturing process using 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients. Demand for this fiber and other renewably sourced materials have more than doubled since market entry two years ago. DuPont biotechnology also is key to the development of biobutanol, an advanced biofuel being developed in partnership with BP. A joint venture was formed earlier this year – Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC – to market and commercialize the technology by 2012. A joint venture with Danisco is also working on cellulosic ethanol with intention to be operational in 2012.

“Transparency of information with our key stakeholders is key to public understanding and consumer confidence,” said Borel. “But it will be our stewardship of the technology — how we use it, manage it and regulate it — that will ultimately determine how quickly and how fully the potential of the technology will be realized.”