The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards today, recognizing innovative green chemistry technologies that reduce hazardous substances, use less energy, and promote sustainability.
“This year’s Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners developed innovative technologies that are driving us forward in new ways to help prevent pollution and protect human health,” said Jennie Romer, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “EPA has been presenting awards for green chemistry for more than a quarter-century, and it’s never been more important to recognize innovations that make our air cleaner, eliminate chemical waste and advance our progress in the fight against climate change.”
An independent panel of technical experts from the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute judged the submissions and made recommendations to the EPA. The winners were recognized at a ceremony in New York City as part of Climate Week NYC.
The 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners include:
- Academic Category: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. They developed a process to generate three classes of lubricant base oils from plants instead of petroleum-based materials, eliminating some hazardous chemicals used in traditional processes.
- Small Business Award: Viridis Chemical, Columbus, Nebraska. They created a process for making ethyl acetate from corn rather than chemicals derived from coal or methane. The hydrogen gas byproduct can also be used to generate some of the energy required to operate the plant.
- Greener Synthetic Pathways: Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey. They developed a "continuous process" for manufacturing an anti-cancer therapy drug that significantly reduces energy and water use compared to traditional methods.
- Design of Safer and Degradable Chemicals: Pro Farm Group, a subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions, Davis, California. They developed RinoTec™ Technology, an enhanced microbial pesticide for crops such as corn, soybean, cotton, and potatoes that reduces environmental load.
- Specific Environmental Benefit – Climate Change: PhoSul®, Sugar City, Idaho. They created phosphate fertilizer that avoids hazardous chemicals and waste emissions associated with traditional production methods.
The EPA is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards until Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.
Since its inception over 25 years ago, the awards have recognized 144 technologies responsible for reducing nearly one billion pounds of hazardous chemicals and saving over 20 billion gallons of water while eliminating nearly eight billion pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents released into the air.
More information about the 2024 winners and EPA’s Green Chemistry Challenge can be found on EPA's website.
