October 21, 2010

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today recognized three organizations for innovations in the movement toward safer and more sustainable chemical products and processes, presenting them with the Michigan Green Chemistry Governor's Award. Ceremonies were held at today's Michigan Green Chemistry Conference at Michigan State University's Kellogg Conference Center.

The Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable established the award program - now in its second year - in support of Governor Jennifer Granholm's Executive Directive 2006-6, aimed at promoting green chemistry for sustainable economic development and protection of public health. The awards recognize advances that either incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture or use, or promote activities that support or implement those technologies. Awards are open to individuals, groups and organizations, both nonprofit and for profit, including academia, educators, nonprofit advocacy groups and industry.

"The award recipients honored today exemplify how green chemistry benefits Michigan's economy, environment and health - not only effectively preventing pollution but promoting sustainable economic development as well," said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. "We applaud their ingenuity and commitment to a greener and healthier Michigan."

Winners of the 2010 Michigan Green Chemistry Governor's Award, listed by category, are:

• pHurity, Inc.
  Franklin-based pHurity, Inc. makes plant-based, renewable, biodegradable products, including green cleaners and laundry and hand soap formulations. The nominated green chemistry is a cleaner, safer and healthier way to make the products used in homes and businesses every day.

• Biosolutions LLC
  Biosolutions LLC of Grand Haven produces industrial cleaners and metal-working fluids containing greener chemistry components. Its Clean & Green? cleaning products are less toxic to humans than many products currently in use, inherently safer in terms of accident potential and biodegradable.

• The Great Lakes Green Chemistry Network (GLGCN) Although located in Gary, Ind., the GLGCN directly supports the efforts of Michigan's Green Chemistry Program by providing networking opportunities among key Great Lakes stakeholders and encouraging research into the application of green chemistry to Great Lakes challenges. The GLGCN has become a hub for information and communication on green chemistry through its website, its monthly telephone seminar series and its participation in efforts addressing chemicals policy in the United States and Canada.

Further information on the Michigan Green Chemistry Program is available at www.michigan.gov/greenchemistry, or by contacting DNRE's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or by e-mail at dnre-env-assist@michigan.gov.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.