PARIS, June 18, 2014 – DuPont Protection Technologies today announced that over one million bullet-resistant vests made with DuPont™ Kevlar® XP™ have been sold globally since the advanced material was launched at Eurosatory in 2008. The milestone was marked with an award to the Republic of Korea Army, the recipient of the millionth vest, in conjunction with this year’s exhibition in Paris.
The accelerated adoption of the revolutionary Kevlar® XP™ technology is based on its proven ballistic performance, light weight and low back face deformation, which helps manufacturers provide effective protection with greater comfort and reduced trauma for the wearer. Although Kevlar® XP™ has gained widespread prominence in many markets around the world, the technology has been particularly successful in developing regions, facilitated by ease of manufacture into a ballistic vest.
“DuPont is proud to lead the ballistic protection market with innovative solutions that help protect those who risk their lives protecting others,” said Jeroen B. Jacobs, global marketing director, DuPont Life Protection. “The tremendous demand for Kevlar® XP™ since its launch has been remarkable, but not surprising, as this advanced material helps enable manufacturers to challenge the boundaries of design and for us to continue our legacy of market-shaping innovation today and in the future.”
Originally developed in 1965, the DuPont™ Kevlar® technology is used to help make a variety of clothing, accessories and equipment ballistic-, cut- and stab-resistant. Due to its lightweight and extraordinarily strong properties, products made with Kevlar® have helped to save the lives of thousands of people around the world. A new brand platform for DuPont™ Kevlar® was launched earlier this month. Dare Bigger™ represents inspiration for anyone who relies on the safety and performance of Kevlar® brand fiber. The science behind this advanced material, coupled with its strength and durability, allows us to push boundaries, defy limits and challenge the conventional. From athletes to astronauts, law enforcement, military, first responders and industrial workers, Kevlar® enables anyone with an imagination and a job to do to Dare Bigger™.
DuPont is continuously innovating to address the evolving protective requirements of the military, police and security markets the world over. DuPont recently launched DuPont™ Kevlar® AS450X, specifically engineered for greater comfort to the body armour wearer while protecting against multiple threats including bullets, knives, spikes, bullets and blunt objects; and DuPont™ Kevlar® XP™ S104, a water repellent fabric that offers enhanced bullet stopping power and reduced back face deformation, even in hot and humid climates and wet conditions.
DuPont Protection Technologies is a leader in technologies and products that help protect people and critical assets worldwide. For additional information, please visit http://www.dupont.com/corporate-functions/our-company/leadership/businesses/protection-technologies.html.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
