Teflon EcoElite developer scoops chemistry award

12/09/2019
John Sworen, a technical fellow at chemical company Chemours, has been awarded the 2019 SCI Gordon E Moore Medal for leading a team that developed Teflon EcoElite, a non-fluorinated, durable repellent used by the sportswear sector.

The Moore Medal is awarded by The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), America Group and recognises career success in innovation, reflected both in market impact and improvement to the quality of life. 

Teflon EcoElite repellent was developed by a team led by Mr Sworen between 2012 and 2015, and has been adopted by brands including Colmar.

It is manufactured with 60% renewably sourced raw materials, which means much of what goes into it can be naturally regrown and replaced over time. 

Paul Kirsch, president of fluoroproducts at Chemours, said: "John's innovation is a game-changer for the textile industry, and we are so proud that he has received this hard-earned recognition. We are committed to leading our industry forward on the issues of social and environmental responsibility – and John's development of Teflon EcoElite repellent is a shining example of that commitment."