DuPont has been named among the winners of the 2025 R&D 100 Awards in the Mechanical/Materials category. The awards, now in their 63rd year, identify technologies that are advancing industrial performance and sustainability across global markets.
One of the technologies highlighted was the FilmTec™ Fortilife™ XC160 Membrane, developed for industrial wastewater treatment and reuse. The reverse osmosis element is designed to concentrate wastewater streams under ultra-high-pressure conditions, helping users to recover more water while lowering energy demand, carbon output and overall operating costs.
The membrane has applications in sectors where water reuse is a growing operational and regulatory priority. These include chemical and petrochemical manufacturing, steel and iron production, pulp and paper, power generation, textiles, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
Two further DuPont developments were also recognised:
- Tychem® 6000 SFR, a protective garment designed to be worn over flame-resistant clothing. It provides chemical resistance for more than 30 minutes against over 250 hazardous substances, including solvents and chemical warfare agents, without increasing burn risk during flash fire exposure.
- UV™ 26GNF Photoresist, a material used in semiconductor lithography, providing a non-fluorine alternative for precise patterning and reduced environmental impact in integrated circuit production.
According to Alexa Dembek, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at DuPont: “We’re honoured that three of our innovative technologies have been recognised for their game-changing impacts and delivering exceptional performance and value for our customers … translating cutting-edge thinking into customer-led solutions that help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The R&D 100 Awards are widely referred to within industry as a benchmark for technical innovation. In 2025, entries were received from 13 countries and assessed by a panel of 54 judges from across academia, research, and industrial sectors.
