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  2. Green Chemistry
  3. Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

Green Chemistry Challenge Winners

Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, Green Chemistry Challenge winners have developed solutions to significant environmental challenges and spur innovation and economic development. 

Disclaimer: Mention of trade names, products, or services does not convey official EPA approval, endorsement, or recommendation.

Search Awards

Award YearAwardCompany/Academic NameSummaryTechnologyIndustry
2024Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co. Inc.Breaking Barriers in Sustainable Manufacturing of Biologics: The Innovation of a Continuous Manufacturing Automated Process for KEYTRUDA® (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2024Design of Safer and Degradable ChemicalsPro Farm Group, Inc., a Subsidiary of Bioceres Crop SolutionsRinoTec™: A Microbial Insecticidal and Nematicidal Seed Treatment (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; 
Safer Chemical Products
Agriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2024Small BusinessViridis Chemical CompanyDehydrogenation of Bio-ethanol to Ethyl Acetate and Green Hydrogen Technology (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical CatalystsBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2024AcademicUniversity of Delaware, Professor Dionisios G. VlachosRenewable Lubricant Base Oils  (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical CatalystsSpecialty Chemicals
2024Specific Environmental Benefit—Climate ChangePhoSul®An Organically Enhanced Rock Phosphate Fertilizer (read more)Synthetic ProcessesAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators
2023Greener Synthetic PathwaysSolugenDecarbonizing the Physical World (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Specialty Chemicals
2023Greener Reaction ConditionsCaptis Aire LLCChemical Adsorption Innovation Reduces Emissions (CAIRE™) Technology (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Specialty Chemicals
2023Design of Greener ChemicalsThe Clorox CompanyClorox EcoClean™ Disinfecting Cleaner (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsFormulated Products
2023Small BusinessModern MeadowModern Meadow Bio-FREED™ Powered by Bio-Alloy™ (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganismsPigments, Dyes, and Colorants
2023AcademicProfessor Richard Laine (University of Michigan)Upcycling/Valorizing a Plentiful Agricultural Waste (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceSpecialty Chemicals
2023Specific Environmental Benefit—Climate ChangeAir CompanyAIRMADE™ Carbon Technology: Photosynthesis-inspired Conversion of CO2 to Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Alcohols (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical Catalysts; Energy TechnologiesFuels, including biofuels
2022Greener Reaction ConditionsAmgenAn improved manufacturing process for LUMAKRAS™ (sotorasib), a novel drug for the treatment of certain non-small cell lung cancers (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2022Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Company, Inc.Developing a greener way to make LAGEVRIO™ (molnupiravir), an antiviral treatment for COVID-19 (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2022AcademicProfessor Song Lin (Cornell University)Developing a new, more efficient process using electrochemistry to create large and complicated molecules that are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals; Specialty Chemicals
2022Small BusinessProviviCreating Provivi FAW™, a biological pheromone-based product that controls the fall armyworm, a destructive pest of corn (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2022Specific Environmental Benefit—Climate ChangeUniversity of California DavisA technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by producing chemicals for making plastic from biomass rather than petroleum (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourcePlastics; Specialty Chemicals
2021Greener Reaction ConditionsBristol Myers Squibb CompanyFive sustainable reagents (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals; Specialty Chemicals
2021AcademicProfessor Srikanth Pilla, Clemson UniversityNonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foam (read more)Polymers – Chemical PolymersBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Plastics
2021Designing Greener ChemicalsColonial ChemicalSuga®Boost surface cleaner (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsFormulation Ingredients
2021Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co.Gefapixant Citrate (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2021Small BusinessXploSafe LLCPhosRox, a novel sorbent (read more)Recycling TechnologiesAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Water treatment
2020Greener Synthetic PathwaysGenomaticaBiobased Butylene Glycol (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic EngineeringBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2020Designing Greener ChemicalsJohns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway CompanyBiobased Formaldehyde-Free Thermoset Binder Formulation (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBuildings and Architecture
2020Greener Reaction ConditionsMerck & Co.A Green Solution to the ProTide Synthesis Problem: Design of a Multifunctional Catalyst That Stereoselectively Assembles ProDrugs (read more)Chemical CatalystsPharmaceuticals
2020AcademicProfessor Steven Skerlos, University of Michigan and Fusion Coolant SystemsPure-Cut™ (read more)Solvents – Carbon DioxideMetals
2020Small BusinessVestaron CorporationSPEAR® Insecticide: First Member of a New Class of Biopesticides That Show Efficacy Comparable to Synthetic Insecticides (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2019Small BusinessKalion, Inc.Microbially Produced High-Purity Glucaric Acid for Diverse Uses (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic EngineeringBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2019Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co.Innovating for a Greener Future: Development of a Green & Sustainable Manufacturing Process for Zerbaxa™ (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2019AcademicProfessor Sanjoy Banerjee, City University of New YorkRechargeable Alkaline Zn-MnO2 Batteries for Grid Storage Applications (read more)Energy TechnologiesEnergy Production, Transmission, and Storage
2019Greener Reaction ConditionsWSITRUpath™ (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsSoaps and Detergents
2017Greener Reaction ConditionsAmgen Inc. / BachemGreen Process for Commercial Manufacture of Etelcalcetide Enabled by Improved Technology for Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2017Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co., Inc.Letermovir: A Case Study in State-of-the-Art Approaches to Sustainable Commercial Manufacturing Processes in the Pharmaceutical Industry (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2017AcademicProfessor Eric J. Schelter, University of PennsylvaniaSimple and Efficient Recycling of Rare Earth Elements from Consumer Materials Using Tailored Metal Complexes (read more)Recycling TechnologiesMetals
2017Designing Greener ChemicalsThe Dow Chemical Company / Papierfabrik August Koehler SEBreakthrough Sustainable Imaging Technology for Thermal Paper (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsPrinting and Imaging; Pulp and Paper
2017Small BusinessUniEnergy Technologies LLCThe UniSystem™: An Advanced Vanadium Redox Flow Battery for Grid-Scale Energy Storage (read more)Energy TechnologiesEnergy Production, Transmission, and Storage
2016Greener Synthetic PathwaysCB&I; AlbemarleAlkyClean® Technology: An Inherently Safer Technology for the Production of Gasoline Alkylate (read more)Chemical CatalystsFuels, including biofuels
2016Greener Reaction ConditionsDow AgroSciences LLC (Acquired by Corteva AgriscienceTM)Instinct® Technology - Making Nitrogen Fertilizers Work More Effectively for Farmers and the Planet (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators
2016Designing Greener Chemicals and Specific Environmental Benefit: Climate ChangeNewlight TechnologiesAirCarbon: Greenhouse Gas Transformed into High-Performance Thermoplastic (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Polymers – Chemical PolymersPlastics
2016AcademicProfessor Paul J. Chirik, Princeton UniversityCatalysis with Earth Abundant Transition Metals (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2016Small BusinessVerdezyneRenewable Nylon Through Commercialization of BIOLON™ DDDA (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic EngineeringPlastics
2015Specific Environmental Benefit: Climate ChangeAlgenolThe Algenol Biofuel Process: Sustainable Production of Ethanol and Green Crude (read more and picture)Biotechnology – Genetic EngineeringFuels, including biofuels
2015Designing Greener ChemicalsHybrid Coating Technologies/Nanotech IndustriesHybrid Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane/Green Polyurethane™ (read more and picture)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Synthetic ProcessesPaints and Coatings
2015Greener Synthetic PathwaysLanzaTech Inc.LanzaTech Gas Fermentation Process (read more and picture)Biotechnology – Genetic EngineeringFuels, including biofuels
2015AcademicProfessor Eugene Y.-X. Chen, Colorado State UniversityGreener Condensation Reactions for Renewable Chemicals, Liquid Fuels, and Biodegradable Polymers (read more and picture)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2015Small BusinessRenmatixThe Plantrose® Process: Supercritical Water as the Economic Enabler of Biobased Industry (read more and picture)Synthetic ProcessesFuels, including biofuels; Broad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2015Greener Reaction ConditionsSoltex (Synthetic Oils and Lubricants of Texas, Inc.)A Novel High Efficiency Process for the Manufacture of Highly Reactive Polyisobutylene Using a Fixed Bed Solid State Catalyst Reactor System (read more and picture)Synthetic ProcessesBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2014Small BusinessAmyrisFarnesane: a Breakthrough Renewable Hydrocarbon for Use as Diesel and Jet Fuel (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceFuels, including biofuels
2014AcademicProfessor Shannon S. Stahl, University of Wisconsin-MadisonAerobic Oxidation Methods for Pharmaceutical Synthesis (read more and podcast)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsPharmaceuticals; Broad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2014Greener Reaction ConditionsQD Vision, Inc. (technology acquired by Samsung)Greener Quantum Dot Synthesis for Energy Efficient Display and Lighting Products (read more and podcast)Safer Chemical Feedstocks; Solvents – Alternative Solvents; Synthetic ProcessesElectronics and Semiconductors
2014Greener Synthetic PathwaysSolazyme, Inc. (now Corbion)Tailored Oils Produced from Microalgal Fermentation (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Formulation Ingredients
2014Designing Greener ChemicalsThe Solberg Company (Acquired by Perimeter Solutions)RE-HEALING™ Foam Concentrates–Effective Halogen-Free Firefighting (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsFire Safety
2013Designing Greener ChemicalsCargill, Inc.Vegetable Oil Dielectric Insulating Fluid for High-Voltage Transformers (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical ProductsEnergy Production, Transmission, and Storage; Fire Safety
2013Small BusinessFaraday Technology, Inc.Functional Chrome Coatings Electrodeposited from a Trivalent Chromium Plating Electrolyte (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAutomotive and Transportation; Metals
2013Greener Synthetic PathwaysLife Technologies Corporation (technology acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific)Safe, Sustainable Chemistries for the Manufacturing of PCR Reagents (read more)Synthetic ProcessesSpecialty Chemicals
2013AcademicProfessor Richard P. Wool, University of DelawareSustainable Polymers and Composites: Optimal Design (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2013Greener Reaction ConditionsThe Dow Chemical CompanyEVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer Technology (read more)Polymers – Chemical PolymersBuildings and Architecture; Paints and Coatings
2012Designing Greener ChemicalsBuckman International, Inc.Enzymes Reduce the Energy and Wood Fiber Required to Manufacture High-Quality Paper and Paperboard (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Use of Isolated Enzymes; Safer Chemical ProductsPulp and Paper
2012Greener Synthetic PathwaysCodexis, Inc.

Professor Yi Tang, University of California, Los Angeles
An Efficient Biocatalytic Process to Manufacture Simvastatin (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesPharmaceuticals
2012Greener Reaction ConditionsCytec Industries Inc. (acquired by Solvay)MAX HT® Bayer Sodalite Scale Inhibitor (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical PolymersBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2012Small BusinessElevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.Using Metathesis Catalysis to Produce High-Performing, Green Specialty Chemicals at Advantageous Costs (read more and podcast)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical CatalystsFormulation Ingredients; Soaps and Detergents
2012AcademicProfessor Geoffrey W. Coates, Cornell UniversitySynthesizing Biodegradable Polymers from Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical CatalystsPlastics
2012AcademicProfessor Robert M. Waymouth, Stanford University

Dr. James L. Hedrick, IBM Almaden Research Center
Organic Catalysis: A Broadly Useful Strategy for Green Polymer Chemistry (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Chemical CatalystsPlastics
2011Small BusinessBioAmber, Inc.Integrated Production and Downstream Applications of Biobased Succinic Acid (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Food; Formulation Ingredients
2011Greener Synthetic PathwaysGenomaticaProduction of Basic Chemicals from Renewable Feedstocks at Lower Cost (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals
2011Greener Reaction ConditionsKraton Performance Polymers, Inc.NEXAR™ Polymer Membrane Technology (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical PolymersPlastics; Water treatment
2011AcademicProfessor Bruce H. Lipshutz, University of California, Santa BarbaraTowards Ending Our Dependence on Organic Solvents (read more and podcast)Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Solvents – Alternative Solvents; Synthetic ProcessesSoaps and Detergents; Broad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2011Designing Greener ChemicalsThe Sherwin-Williams CompanyWater-based Acrylic Alkyd Technology (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical ProductsBuildings and Architecture; Paints and Coatings
2010Designing Greener ChemicalsClarkeNatular™ Larvicide: Adapting Spinosad for Next-Generation Mosquito Control (read more and podcast)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Formulated Products
2010Small BusinessLS9, Inc. (Acquired by Chevron Corporation)Microbial Production of Renewable Petroleum™ Fuels and Chemicals (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
2010Greener Reaction ConditionsMerck & Co., Inc.

Codexis, Inc.
Greener Manufacturing of Sitagliptin Enabled by an Evolved Transaminase (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesPharmaceuticals
2010AcademicProfessor James C. Liao, University of California, Los Angeles

Easel Biotechnologies, LLC
Recycling Carbon Dioxide to Biosynthesize Higher Alcohols (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
2010Greener Synthetic PathwaysThe Dow Chemical Company

BASF Corporation
Innovative, Environmentally Benign Production of Propylene Oxide via Hydrogen Peroxide (read more and podcast)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2009Greener Reaction ConditionsCEM CorporationInnovative Analyzer Tags Proteins for Fast, Accurate Results without Hazardous Chemicals or High Temperatures (read more and podcast)AnalysisFood
2009Greener Synthetic PathwaysEastman Chemical CompanyA Solvent-Free Biocatalytic Process for Cosmetic and Personal Care Ingredients (read more and podcast)Biotechnology – Use of Isolated Enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Solvent-Free Processes; Synthetic ProcessesFormulation Ingredients
2009AcademicProfessor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Carnegie Mellon UniversityAtom Transfer Radical Polymerization: Low-impact Polymerization Using a Copper Catalyst and Environmentally Friendly Reducing Agents (read more and podcast)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2009Designing Greener ChemicalsThe Procter & Gamble Company

Cook Composites & Polymers Company (Chempol® technology acquired by Arkema Coating Resins)
Chempol® MPS Resins and Sefose® Sucrose Esters Enable High-Performance Low-VOC Alkyd Paints and Coatings (read more and podcast)Solvents – Solvent-Free Processes; Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical Products;Formulated Products; Buildings and Architecture; Paints and Coatings
2009Small BusinessVirent Energy Systems, Inc.BioForming® Process: Catalytic Conversion of Plant Sugars into Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels (read more and podcast)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
2008Greener Synthetic PathwaysBattelleDevelopment and Commercialization of Biobased Toners (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourcePrinting and Imaging; Pulp and Paper
2008Designing Greener ChemicalsDow AgroSciences LLC (now CortevaTM Agriscience) Spinetoram: Enhancing a Natural Product for Insect Control (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical Products; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2008Greener Reaction ConditionsNalco Company3D TRASAR® Technology (read more)AnalysisWater treatment
2008AcademicProfessors Robert E. Maleczka, Jr. and Milton R. Smith, III, Michigan State UniversityGreen Chemistry for Preparing Boronic Esters (read more)Solvents – Solvent-Free Processes; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2008Small BusinessSiGNa Chemistry, Inc.New Stabilized Alkali Metals for Safer, Sustainable Syntheses (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsFuels, including biofuels; Broad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2007Designing Greener ChemicalsCargill, IncorporatedBiOH™ Polyols (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Plastics
2007Greener Reaction ConditionsHeadwaters Technology Innovation (Acquired by Eco Material Technologies)Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Selective Nanocatalyst Technology (read more)Solvents – Solvent-Free Processes; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBulk and Commodity Chemicals
2007Small BusinessNovaSterilis Inc.Environmentally Benign Medical Sterilization Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (read more)Safer Chemical Products; Solvents – Carbon DioxideMedical Devices
2007Greener Synthetic PathwaysProfessor Kaichang Li, Oregon State University; Columbia Forest Products

Hercules Incorporated (now Ashland Inc.)
Development and Commercial Application of Environmentally Friendly Adhesives for Wood Composites (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical ProductsBuildings and Architecture
2007AcademicProfessor Michael J. Krische, University of Texas at AustinHydrogen-Mediated Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2006Small BusinessArkon Consultants

NuPro Technologies, Inc. (now Eastman Kodak)
Environmentally Safe Solvents and Reclamation in the Flexographic Printing Industry (read more)Safer Chemical Products; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Alternative SolventsPaints and Coatings; Printing and Imaging
2006Greener Reaction ConditionsCodexis, Inc.Directed Evolution of Three Biocatalysts to Produce the Key Chiral Building Block for Atorvastatin, the Active Ingredient in Lipitor® (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated Enzymes; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2006Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co., Inc.Novel Green Synthesis for β-Amino Acids Produces the Active Ingredient in Januvia™ (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsPharmaceuticals
2006AcademicProfessor Galen J. Suppes, University of Missouri-ColumbiaBiobased Propylene Glycol and Monomers from Natural Glycerin (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
2006Designing Greener ChemicalsS.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Greenlist™ Process to Reformulate Consumer Products (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Safer Chemical ProductsFormulated Products; Plastics
2005Greener Synthetic PathwaysArcher Daniels Midland Company

Novozymes
NovaLipid™: Low Trans Fats and Oils Produced by Enzymatic Interesterification of Vegetable Oils Using Lipozyme® (read more)Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Food
2005Greener Synthetic PathwaysMerck & Co., Inc.A Redesigned, Efficient Synthesis of Aprepitant, the Active Ingredient in Emend®: A New Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Emesis (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2005Greener Reaction ConditionsBASF CorporationA UV-Curable, One-Component, Low-VOC Refinish Primer: Driving Eco-Efficiency Improvements (read more)Polymers – Chemical PolymersAutomotive and Transportation; Paints and Coatings
2005Small BusinessMetabolix, Inc. (now Yield10 Bioscience)Producing Nature's Plastics Using Biotechnology (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Plastics
2005AcademicProfessor Robin D. Rogers, The University of AlabamaA Platform Strategy Using Ionic Liquids to Dissolve and Process Cellulose for Advanced New Materials (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Alternative SolventsPlastics; Pulp and Paper; Textiles and Fibers
2005Designing Greener ChemicalsArcher Daniels Midland CompanyArcher RCTM: A Nonvolatile, Reactive Coalescent for the Reduction of VOCs in Latex Paints (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum- based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical ProductsFormulation Ingredients; Buildings and Architecture; Paints and Coatings
2004Greener Synthetic PathwaysBristol-Myers Squibb CompanyDevelopment of a Green Synthesis for Taxol® Manufacture via Plant Cell Fermentation and Extraction (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2004Greener Reaction ConditionsBuckman Laboratories International, Inc.Optimyze®: A New Enzyme Technology to Improve Paper Recycling (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesPulp and Paper
2004Designing Greener ChemicalsEngelhard Corporation (now BASF Corporation)Engelhard Rightfit™ Organic Pigments: Environmental Impact, Performance, and Value (read more)Safer Chemical Products; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewherePaints and Coatings; Pigments, Dyes, and Colorants; Plastics
2004Small BusinessJeneil Biosurfactant CompanyRhamnolipid Biosurfactant: A Natural, Low-Toxicity Alternative to Synthetic Surfactants (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Agriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Formulation Ingredients; Soaps and Detergents
2004AcademicProfessor Charles A. Eckert and Professor Charles L. Liotta, Georgia Institute of TechnologyBenign Tunable Solvents Coupling Reaction and Separation Processes (read more)Solvents – Carbon Dioxide; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2003Small BusinessAgraQuest, Inc. (now Bayer CropScience)Serenade®: An Effective, Environmentally Friendly Biofungicide (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2003Greener Reaction ConditionsDuPontMicrobial Production of 1,3-Propanediol (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAutomotive and Transportation; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Plastics; Textiles and Fibers
2003AcademicProfessor Richard A. Gross, Rensselaer Polytechnic UniversityNew Options for Mild and Selective Polymerizations Using Lipases (read more)Biotechnology – Use of Isolated Enzymes; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymesPaints and Coatings; Plastics
2003Designing Greener ChemicalsShaw Industries, Inc.EcoWorx™ Carpet Tile: A Cradle-to-Cradle Product (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Safer Chemical ProductsBuildings and Architecture; Plastics
2003Greener Synthetic PathwaysSüd-Chemie Inc. (now a Clariant Group Company)A Wastewater-Free Process for Synthesis of Solid Oxide Catalysts (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
2002Greener Reaction ConditionsCargill Dow LLC (now NatureWorks LLC)NatureWorks™ PLA Process (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Solvent-Free ProcessesBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Plastics; Textiles and Fibers
2002Designing Greener ChemicalsChemical Specialities, Inc. (now Viance)ACQ Preserve®: The Environmentally Advanced Wood Preservative (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Buildings and Architecture
2002Greener Synthetic PathwaysPfizer, Inc.Green Chemistry in the Redesign of the Sertraline Process (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
2002AcademicProfessor Eric J. Beckman, University of PittsburghDesign of Non-Fluorous, Highly CO2-Soluble Materials (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Safer Chemical Products; Solvents – Carbon DioxideSoaps and Detergents
2002Small BusinessSC Fluids, Inc.SCORR – Supercritical CO2 Resist Remover (read more)Solvents – Carbon DioxideElectronics and Semiconductors
2001Greener Synthetic PathwaysBayer Corporation; Bayer AG (technology acquired by LANXESS)Baypure™ CX (Sodium Iminodisuccinate): An Environmentally Friendly and Readily Biodegradable Chelating Agent (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Formulation Ingredients; Soaps and Detergents; Water treatment
2001Small BusinessEDEN Bioscience Corporation (technology acquired by Plant Health Care, Inc.)Messenger®: A Green Chemistry Revolution in Plant Production and Food Safety (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganismsAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Agriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2001Greener Reaction ConditionsNovozymes North America, Inc.BioPreparation™ of Cotton Textiles: A Cost-Effective, Environmentally Compatible Preparation Process (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesTextiles and Fibers
2001Designing Greener ChemicalsPPG IndustriesYttrium as a Lead Substitute in Cationic Electrodeposition Coatings (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAutomotive and Transportation; Paints and Coatings
2001AcademicProfessor Chao-Jun Li, Tulane UniversityQuasi-Nature Catalysis: Developing Transition Metal Catalysis in Air and Water (read more)Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2000Greener Reaction ConditionsBayer Corporation (now Covestro)

Bayer AG
Two-Component Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhereAutomotive and Transportation; Buildings and Architecture; Paints and Coatings; Pulp and Paper
2000Designing Greener ChemicalsDow AgroSciences LLCSentricon™ Termite Colony Elimination System, A New Paradigm for Termite Control (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
2000AcademicProfessor Chi-Huey Wong, The Scripps Research InstituteEnzymes in Large-Scale Organic Synthesis (read more)Biotechnology – Use of Isolated EnzymesBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
2000Small BusinessRevTech, Inc.Envirogluv™: A Technology for Decorating Glass and Ceramicware with Radiation-Curable, Environmentally Compliant Inks (read more)Solvents – Solvent-Free ProcessesPaints and Coatings; Pigments, Dyes, and Colorants; Printing and Imaging
2000Greener Synthetic PathwaysRoche Colorado Corporation (now CordenPharma Colorado)An Efficient Process for the Production of Cytovene, a Potent Antiviral Agent (read more)Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
1999Small BusinessBiofine, Inc. (now DPS BioMetics, Inc.)Conversion of Low-Cost Biomass Wastes to Levulinic Acid and Derivatives (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Pulp and Paper
1999Designing Greener ChemicalsDow AgroSciences LLCSpinosad: A New Natural Product for Insect Control (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
1999Greener Synthetic PathwaysLilly Research LaboratoriesPractical Application of a Biocatalyst in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Synthetic ProcessesPharmaceuticals
1999Greener Reaction ConditionsNalco CompanyThe Development and Commercialization of ULTIMER®: The First of a New Family of Water-Soluble Polymer Dispersions (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhereWater treatment
1999AcademicProfessor Terry Collins, Carnegie Mellon UniversityTAML™ Oxidant Activators: General Activation of Hydrogen Peroxide for Green Oxidation Technologies (read more)Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhere; Chemical CatalystsPulp and Paper; Textiles and Fibers
1998Greener Reaction ConditionsArgonne National LaboratoryNovel Membrane-Based Process for Producing Lactate Esters – Nontoxic Replacements for Halogenated and Toxic Solvents (read more)Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Solvents – Alternative Solvents; Synthetic ProcessesBulk and Commodity Chemicals; Electronics and Semiconductors; Formulation Ingredients; Paints and Coatings; Printing and Imaging; Soaps and Detergents; Textiles and Fibers
1998AcademicDr. Karen M. Draths and Professor John W. Frost, Michigan State UniversityUse of Microbes as Environmentally Benign Synthetic Catalysts (read more)Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resource; Synthetic ProcessesAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Plastics; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals
1998Greener Synthetic PathwaysFlexsys America L.P. (now Eastman Chemical Company)Elimination of Chlorine in the Synthesis of 4-Aminodiphenylamine: A New Process That Utilizes Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution for Hydrogen (read more)Synthetic ProcessesBulk and Commodity Chemicals
1998AcademicProfessor Barry M. Trost, Stanford UniversityThe Development of the Concept of Atom Economy (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsBroad Applicability, No Specific Sector
1998Small BusinessPYROCOOL Technologies, Inc.Technology for the Third Millennium: The Development and Commercial Introduction of an Environmentally Responsible Fire Extinguishment and Cooling Agent (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Safer Chemical ProductsSafety
1998Designing Greener ChemicalsRohm and Haas Company (now a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company)Invention and Commercialization of a New Chemical Family of Insecticides Exemplified by CONFIRM™ Selective Caterpillar Control Agent and the Related Selective Insect Control Agents MACH 2™ and INTREPID™ (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
1997Designing Greener ChemicalsAlbright & Wilson Americas (now Rhodia, a member of the Solvay Group)THPS Biocides: A New Class of Antimicrobial Chemistry (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Water treatment
1997Greener Synthetic PathwaysBHC Company (now BASF Corporation)BHC Company Ibuprofen Process (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsPharmaceuticals
1997Greener Reaction ConditionsImation (technology acquired by Eastman Kodak Company)DryView™ Imaging Systems (read more)Solvents – Solvent-Free ProcessesMedical Devices; Printing and Imaging
1997Small BusinessLegacy Systems, Inc. (now Modutek Corporation)Coldstrip™, A Revolutionary Organic Removal and Wet Cleaning Technology (read more)Solvents – Water, excluding fermentations, which are listed elsewhereElectronics and Semiconductors
1997AcademicProfessor Joseph M. DeSimone, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and North Carolina State University (NCSU)Design and Application of Surfactants for Carbon Dioxide (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Solvents – Carbon DioxideSoaps and Detergents; Textiles and Fibers
1996Small BusinessDonlar Corporation (NanoChem Solutions, Inc., part of Flexible Solutions)Production and Use of Thermal Polyaspartic Acid (read more)Polymers – Biopolymers, excluding the use of isolated enzymes; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Water treatment
1996Greener Synthetic PathwaysMonsanto CompanyCatalytic Dehydrogenation of Diethanolamine (read more)Synthetic Processes; Chemical CatalystsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides
1996AcademicProfessor Mark Holtzapple, Texas A&M UniversityConversion of Waste Biomass to Animal Feed, Chemicals, and Fuels (read more)Biotechnology, including use of biological processes or microorganisms; Renewable Resources, technologies that use a renewable resource in place of a petroleum-based or depleting resourceAgriculture and Agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, plant growth stimulators; Bulk and Commodity Chemicals; Fuels, including biofuels
1996Designing Greener ChemicalsRohm and Haas Company (now a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company)Designing an Environmentally Safe Marine Antifoulant (read more)Safer Chemical ProductsAgriculture and Agrochemicals – Pesticides; Paints and Coatings
1996Greener Reaction ConditionsThe Dow Chemical Company100 Percent Carbon Dioxide as a Blowing Agent for the Polystyrene Foam Sheet Packaging Market (read more)Polymers – Chemical Polymers; Solvents – Carbon DioxidePlastics
Contact Us about Green Chemistry to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 21, 2025
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