Genencor/DuPont team receives U.S. EPA's Presidential Green Chemistry award

The award recognizes the achievement of creating a biobased process that uses renewable resources

10-Jul-2003

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented its 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry award to the DuPont/Genencor team for its development of 1,3 propanediol (PDO), a key element in DuPont's new Sorona® product. The award recognizes the achievement of creating a biobased process that uses renewable resources -- like corn -- instead of typical petrochemicals. Sorona is DuPont's newest polymer platform that can be used in applications like textile apparel, carpeting and packaging. The biobased method uses less energy, reduces emissions, and employs renewable resources compared to traditional petrochemical processes.

"This award underscores the importance of this contribution to creating a more sustainable industrial process," said Michael V.Arbige, senior vice president, technology for Genencor said.

Currently, DuPont uses a petrochemical-based PDO to produce the Sorona® polymer in Kinston, N.C. DuPont is producing corn-derived PDO at a pilot facility in Decatur, Ill., where carbohydrate processor Tate & Lyle operates a fermentation plant. DuPont has announced it is developing plans to construct a large-scale PDO fermentation facility based on the new bioprocess. Fibers with Sorona® offer unique advantages over both polyester and nylon because they have: stain-resistance, exceptional softness, comfort stretch and recovery, UV- and chlorine-resistance.

The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge awards have been presented annually since 1996 by the EPA to recognize businesses and individuals who have discovered innovative ways to significantly reduce pollution at its sources and have used chemistry to improve the environment. An independent panel of technical experts from government, industry, academia and the non-profit sector judges nominations for the awards.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/25207/genencor-dupont-team-receives-u-s-epa-s-presidential-green-chemistry-award.html