DuPont

DuPont: Over Two Centuries of Science-Driven Innovation

DuPont is one of the most storied names in American industry. Founded in 1802 by Éleuthère Irénée du Pont near Wilmington, Delaware, the company began as a gunpowder manufacturer and grew into a global science and materials powerhouse. Over more than two centuries, DuPont's researchers have pioneered some of the most transformative materials the world has ever seen — from nylon and neoprene to Teflon, Kevlar, and Lycra — earning the company multiple National Medals of Technology along the way.

What sets DuPont apart is its deep commitment to applied science. The company doesn't just manufacture products; it invents entirely new categories of materials that redefine what is possible. That philosophy is perhaps best exemplified by Tyvek®, a breakthrough nonwoven fabric made from flash-spun high-density polyethylene fibers. First discovered in 1955 by DuPont researcher Jim White — who noticed an unusual white fluff emerging from a laboratory pipe — Tyvek® took years of rigorous development before becoming commercially available in 1967. Today, it is recognized as a global standard in barrier protection.

DuPont's protective apparel portfolio is built on that same spirit of innovation. The Tyvek® and Tychem® families of garments are relied upon by workers across industries — from construction and automotive refinishing to pharmaceutical manufacturing and emergency response. Tyvek® fabric's protection is built directly into its structure, with no films or laminates that can abrade away over time, giving it a durability advantage that makes it a go-to for painters, mechanics, insulation installers, and hazmat professionals alike. For applications requiring a higher level of chemical resistance, the Tychem® line steps in with garments tested against a wide range of industrial chemical threats.

Whether you are tackling a weekend automotive paint job, performing asbestos remediation, or working in a controlled industrial environment, DuPont's protective coveralls deliver the performance and confidence that come with one of history's most trusted scientific brands. DuPont continues to push boundaries — most recently with the launch of Tyvek® APX™, a next-generation fabric engineered to deliver breakthrough breathability without sacrificing barrier protection or durability.

Why Professionals Trust DuPont

• Proprietary materials — Only DuPont makes Tyvek®, a unique flash-spun HDPE fabric that offers an inherent barrier down to 1 micron in particle size
• Proven track record — More than 200 million Tyvek® garments are used worldwide each year, across industries ranging from healthcare to heavy industry
• Range of protection levels — From the lightweight Tyvek® 400 for dust and light splash to the chemical-resistant Tychem® line for serious industrial hazards
• Comfort-engineered design — Comfort Fit designs provide enhanced range of motion, reinforced stress points, and ergonomic cuts for all-day wearability
• Continuous innovation — Over 220 years of R&D investment, including the latest Tyvek® APX™ fabric with scientifically validated enhanced breathability