DuPont's Color Quest in China: A 30-Year Story

DuPont set up shop in China back in 1921. For twenty years, the American chemical giant worked hard there. Its main focus was on synthetic dyes. These were important colored products that helped businesses and homes look better. The company kept old records at the Hagley Museum. Those papers show how things changed over time.

At first, DuPont was mainly a seller. But soon they decided to build their own labs. They started making dyes right here in China. Their scientists wanted exact colors that Chinese customers loved. They studied what people saw and felt through color. This meant working with many different people. Foreign managers met local chemists. Sales agents and warehouse staff also joined the team.