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P2 Recognition Project -- Success Stories
P2 Recognition Project 2008 Award Winners
The P2 (Pollution Prevention) Recognition Project honors companies for developing innovative chemistry and technologies that further pollution prevention and other environmental goals. EPA believes that by recognizing these companies it gives them and other companies engaged in similar work a positive incentive to create new, safer chemicals and technologies.
EPA's New Chemicals Program, which screens up to 2500 chemicals a year, identifies the chemicals proposed for P2 Recognition Project awards through the Premanufacture Notice (PMN) P2 screening process, as described in the PMN Instruction Manual (PDF) (51 pp, 721K), as well as during more detailed new chemical reviews. The New Chemicals Program also includes the Biotechnology Program, which reviews new (i.e., intergeneric) microorganisms. The P2 Recognition Project relies heavily on information contained in the PMN on P2 aspects of the new chemicals or biotech product, although supplemental information has also been considered.
Criteria for P2 Recognition
In selecting products to recognize under the program, EPA looks for:
- Safer substitutes for existing products,
- Chemicals/biotechnology products that are less toxic, as demonstrated by test data on the new product itself,
- Products that have fewer associated toxic chemicals, e.g., feedstocks, byproducts, impurities, etc.,
- Products that result in pollution prevention and source reduction,
- Products that use recycling processes that reduce exposures or releases,
- Environmentally beneficial uses of products, and/or
- Products that conserve energy and water during their manufacture, processing or use.
Finally, the Agency seeks to recognize real commercial successes; thus, we require that the company commence manufacture of the PMN substance in order to receive the award.
2008 P2 Recognition Project Awardees -- Select a company's name to access its recognition letter
Clariant Corp.
The new efficient flame retardant Exolit® OP560, developed by Clariant Corp., does not pose public health risks associated with traditional halogenated flame retardants, including risks to fetal development and toxicity issues. Exolit® OP560 does not produce dangerous halogenated by-products upon degradation or combustion. This new halogen-free flame retardant is applied at lower doses than traditional flame retardants on polyurethane foams in furniture, automobiles and other consumer products. To create this technology, Clariant Corp. condensed the phase of the combustion cycle and contained by-products within the char layer, eliminating corrosive gases and reducing smoke density.
Cognis Corp.
Cognis Corp. developed a cationic surfactant, Dehyquart L-80, an effective anti-static conditioner for fabric softeners that is biodegradable and less toxic to fish and other aquatic life than traditional cationic surfactants. Dehyquart L-80 uses propylene glycol as an alternative to volatile organic compounds used in other surfactants. Propylene glycol is listed as a food additive, confirming the safety of using this material on garments worn next to the skin. In addition to its use in fabric softeners, Dehyquart L-80 is used as a wax in vehicles causing the beading of water droplets and as a spray for dust mops, allowing the fast and effective removal of dust and dirt from polished floors.
Colonial Chemical, Inc.
Colonial Chemical developed Suga®Nate, a sulfonated surfactant used in extremely mild, gentle cleansers that is biodegradable and soluble in water. This product, based on the naturally derived, sustainable material alkyl polyglucoside, is safe for humans and the environment, and can substitute for petroleum-derived and other surfactants that have a higher potential for irritation. Suga®Nate combines the advantages of high-foaming power, good emulsification and mildness to the skin to give the formulator flexibility to prepare light- and heavy-duty cleaners. Suga®Nate is used in hand cleaners, personal care products, shampoo, a bubble bath for children, and a pet shampoo.
Vitech International Ltd.
Vitech International, Ltd. developed Videt ALB, an acid salt technology, to replace hydrofluoric acid in a variety of cleaning applications, including touchless (i.e., automated) vehicle washing, wheel cleaning and aluminum cleaning and brightening. While Videt ALB is a strong acid, it does not cause the severe health effects associated with hydrofluoric acid exposure and is classified as a skin non-irritant that does not fume, minimizing respiratory irritation. Further, Videt ALB has been shown not to accumulate in the body if it is inadvertently ingested. Videt ALB does not etch glass, and the rapid breakdown of road films simplifies alkaline washing, the second step in touchless vehicle washing. It brightens aluminum by removing aluminum oxides and, when formulated properly, it will not discolor aluminum due to overexposure. For wheel cleaning, Videt ALB is excellent at the removal of brake dust and staining. Videt ALB provides performance capabilities achieved previously only by more aggressive acid (like hydrofluoric) associated with health and safety risks.