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Overview

Polymethyl methacrylate surfacing was targeted from the first as “synthetic marble,” ideal for kitchen counter tops. In 1967 DuPont introduced the material as Corian® in three colors: cameo white, dawn beige and olive mist. The material was an improvement on existing nonporous surfaces because it was resistant to chipping, cracking and staining, and scratches and scorches could be scoured or sanded away without marring. By the mid-1970s, Corian® had moved into the bathroom as tub and shower surrounds and integrated sink-and-counter units. A fourth color, autumn gold, had also been introduced.

Market research conducted in the early 1990s revealed that the public regarded Corian® a luxury item. DuPont set out to bring costs down, provide consumers with a wider choice of colors and uses, and promote the product’s versatility and aesthetic appeal. By substituting a single-sheet process for the batch process, DuPont substantially cut production costs. The company also increased available colors from 18 in 1992 to 81 in 2000, although white remains the most popular. Corian® has also been successfully marketed as a bacteria-resistant surface in hospitals, a durable material for furniture in high-traffic, public spaces, and as a pliable material for sculpture and other artistic uses.

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