DuPont reports strong European market

Liz Wells, packagingnews.co.uk, 22 April 2008

DuPont, which supplies materials to the packaging sector, has reported an 8% increase in first-quarter sales to $1.7bn (£855m) because of continued strength in Asian and European markets.

The company said improved sales in its performance materials business were partially offset by higher cost of ingredients and costs associated with the manufacturing process.

DuPont reported a 46% increase in pre-tax operating income to $219m in the quarter.

DuPont has also announced the winners of its 20th Packaging Innovation Awards, which aim to recognise achievements that improve sustainability of packaging products and processes.

Among the winners were Kraft Salad Dressings, Marks & Spencer for its biodegradable Swiss chocolate assortment box, and EarthCycle for its organic kiwi package.

Innovia Films, Water Bag-in-Box, Jordans Organic Cereals and PlantLove Lipstick by Cargo Cosmetics also triumphed, as did the AirLessMotion Bag-in-Bottle System and UniPak Eco.