June 30, 2008—For the 13th year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing chemical technologies developed by leading researchers and industrial innovators that are making significant contributions to pollution prevention in the US.
The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards are given in five categories: Academic, Small Business, Greener Synthetic Pathways, Greener Reaction Conditions, and Designing Greener Chemicals.
The 2008 award-winning technologies are:
- A novel method to make complex molecules cleanly and efficiently developed by Professors Robert E. Maleczka, Jr. and Milton R. Smith, III of Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
- A safe way to harness the reactivity of alkali metals developed by SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. of New York, NY
- Biobased resins for toner ink that are easily removed during paper recycling developed by Battelle of Columbus, OH
- A three-part system to monitor and treat cooling water developed by Nalco Company of Naperville, IL
- A second-generation green chemistry pesticide developed by Dow AgroSciences of Indianapolis, IN
EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge promotes research and development of less-hazardous alternatives to existing technologies that reduce or eliminate waste, particularly hazardous waste, in industrial production. An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society selected the winners from nearly 100 nominated technologies.
Over the past 13 years, the winners’ work has led to the elimination of over 1.1 billion pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents, over 21 billion gallons of water, and nearly 400 million pounds of carbon dioxide, says EPA. These benefits are in addition to significant energy and cost savings by the winners and their customers, notes EPA.
