By Scout Nelson
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, recognizing new and innovative green chemistry technologies, including the notable achievement by Viridis Chemical of Columbus, Nebraska.
This year’s winners have developed chemical products and processes designed to reduce or eliminate hazardous substances, consume less energy, and promote sustainability in their respective industries.
Viridis Chemical received the Small Business Award for creating a process that produces ethyl acetate—a solvent commonly used in various industrial and consumer applications—from corn, rather than relying on traditional chemicals derived from coal or methane. Notably, the process generates hydrogen gas as a byproduct, which can be utilized to supply energy for plant operations.
“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,” stated 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.”
The awards were presented during a ceremony in New York City as part of Climate Week NYC, where other notable winners included:
Academic Category: University of Delaware for a plant-based process to generate lubricant base oils, eliminating hazardous chemicals used in traditional methods.
Greener Synthetic Pathways: Merck & Co. Inc. for a new continuous manufacturing process for an anti-cancer therapy drug that significantly reduces energy and water use.
Design of Safer and Degradable Chemicals: Pro Farm Group for RinoTec Technology, an enhanced microbial pesticide that lowers the environmental impact of other pesticides.
The EPA is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Companies or institutions that have developed a new green chemistry process or product that protects human health, and the environment can submit nominations by December 13, 2024.
Since the awards began over 25 years ago, the EPA and the American Chemical Society, which co-sponsors the awards, have recognized 144 technologies that have significantly reduced hazardous chemicals, saved water, and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
For more details about the 2024 winners and the Green Chemistry Challenge, visit the EPA's official website.
Photo Credit:ethanol-support-rocky-ormiston
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Energy, General, Livestock