The EPA on Tuesday recognized chemical technologies developed by leading researchers and industrial innovators that make significant contributions to pollution prevention in the United States. The awards will be given out this evening, June 24, at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The 13th annual 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-winner 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, Mich.
• A safe way to harness the reactivity of alkali metals developed by SiGNa Chemistry Inc. of New York, N.Y.
• Biobased resins for toner ink that are easily removed during paper recycling developed by Battelle of Columbus, Ohio
• A three-part system to monitor and treat cooling water developed by Nalco Co. of Naperville, Ill.
• A second-generation green chemistry pesticide developed by Dow AgroSciences of Indianapolis

The 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.

According to an agency release, 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. These benefits are in addition to significant energy and cost savings by the winners and their customers.

Links

• The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge 2008 Awards