DuPont Declares 'Force Majeure' for Ethylene Copolymers Business

Published: October 15, 2008

WILMINGTON, DE | Hurricane Ike caused storm surge damage at DuPont's Sabine facility in Orange, TX. As a result, the company declared “force majeure” for its ethylene copolymers business. Based on the company's preliminary assessment of damages, it is not clear when restart will occur at Sabine. DuPont is working closely with its customers to lessen the impact on their business.

Force majeure (French for "greater force") is a common clause in contracts which essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance occurs beyond the control of the parties, including flooding.

“It is our firm commitment to make the necessary repairs that will enable us to restart operations in Orange, Texas,” said William F. Weber, Vice President and General Manager - DuPont Packaging Industrial Polymers. “Our operations team at the site is completing assessments of storm damage so that this process can begin as soon as possible. We are also working to be in a position to definitively communicate our ability to supply customer needs. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”