Tyvek® by Nick Gromicko and Rob London Tyvek® is a brand of synthetic, high-density polyethylene fiber used in a variety of applications. It was first discovered by DuPont researcher Jim White in 1955, and officially trademarked as Tyvek® 10 years later by DuPont, which continues to manufacture the material today. Tyvek® is formed when polyethylene fibers,