DuPont Science Leader Discusses Sustainability and Integrated Science

"Historically, the chemical industry has grown in response to worldwide demand for products that lead to an improved standard of living," Chowdhry said. "This industry growth has been achieved through increased use of fossil fuel and other depletive natural resources, often with consequent adverse effects on the environment. But that is changing.

"As we enter our third century at DuPont, we are transforming ourselves…to increase societal and shareholder value while decreasing our environmental footprint," Chowdhry noted. "By integrating emerging technologies – like biotechnology and nanotechnology – with our strengths in chemistry and materials science, we will rely on technical innovations to develop new products and processes that use renewable resources, consume less energy, and produce less waste. We call it 'Sustainability through Integrated Science."

DuPont is pursuing its third major transformation in its 200-year history. Throughout the 19th century, the company was known for explosives. In the 20th century, DuPont became a diversified chemical company. Today, DuPont is a science company focusing on synergies among its strengths in chemistry and materials science and emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.