Hybrid Coating Technologies/Nanotech Industries of Daly City, California, is one of the winners of the 20th Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge for developing a safer, plant-based polyurethane for use on floors, furniture and in foam insulation. The technology eliminates the use of isocyanates.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Hybrid Coating and five other companies for their landmark green chemistry technologies that are spurring innovation and economic development. "These innovations reduce the use of energy, hazardous chemicals and water, while cutting manufacturing costs and sparking investments," said Jim Jones, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Ultimately, these manufacturing processes and products are safer for people’s health and the environment." 

An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute formally judged the 2015 submissions from among scores of nominated technologies and made recommendations to EPA for the 2015 winners. The 2015 awards event will be held in conjunction with the 2015 Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, July 14-16. 

 

 

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued its 2015 edition of the Guide to the Business of Chemistry, a detailed economic profile of the chemistry industry and its contributions to the U.S. and world economies. Prepared annually by ACC’s Economics and Statistics Department, The Guide to the Business of Chemistry divides the $801 billion business into more than thirty categories of production, ranging from inorganic chemicals to plastic resins; from adhesives and sealants to oilfield chemicals; and from fertilizers to pharmaceuticals and consumer products. Within each segment the report highlights distinct characteristics, including growth dynamics, markets, new developments, and other issues affecting each sector.