On September 26, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. According to EPA, the winners have developed chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, use less energy, and are more sustainable. An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute formally judged the 2024 submissions and made recommendations to EPA. The 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners are:
- Academic Category: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, for developing a process to generate three classes of lubricant base oils commonly used in vehicles and industrial machinery. The new method makes the oil from plants rather than petroleum-based materials. According to EPA, this process also eliminates some hazardous chemicals used in the traditional process.
- Small Business Award: Viridis Chemical, Columbus, Nebraska, for developing a process for making ethyl acetate, a solvent widely used in industry and consumer products, from corn instead of chemicals derived from coal or methane. EPA notes that the hydrogen gas byproduct from the process can also be used to generate some of the energy required to operate the plant.
- Greener Synthetic Pathways: Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, for developing a new “continuous process” for manufacturing an anti-cancer therapy drug. EPA states that the new process prevents pollution by significantly reducing energy and water use compared to the traditional manufacturing process.
- Design of Safer and Degradable Chemicals: Pro Farm Group, a Subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions, Davis, California, for developing RinoTec™ Technology, an enhanced microbial pesticide for crops, including corn, soybean, cotton, and potatoes, that reduces the environmental load of other pesticides.
- Specific Environmental Benefit — Climate Change: PhoSul®, Sugar City, Idaho, for making phosphate fertilizer that avoids hazardous chemicals and waste emissions associated with traditional phosphate fertilizer production, such as strong acids, heavy metals, and radioactive materials.
As reported in our August 29, 2024, blog item, EPA is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, from companies or institutions that have developed a new green chemistry process or product that helps protect human health and the environment. Nominations are due December 13, 2024.
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