Sustainability
Contact Information
Global Nalco LocationsLocal Sales Offices
Energy Services Contacts
Nalco EAME Headquarters
Ir. G. Tjalmaweg 1
2342 BV Oegstgeest
P.O. Box 627
2300 AP Leiden
Netherlands
Tel: +31-71-524-1100
Fax: +31-71-524-1197
Environmental Awards
Nalco's commitment to providing customers with solutions that are environmentally sustainable has been acknowledged with a number of awards.
United States Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award
The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recognizes and promotes the development of innovative green chemical technologies that prevent pollution and that have broad industrial applications. An independent panel of experts named by the American Chemical Society selects the winners. Our 3D TRASAR® Technology for Cooling Water won a 2008 award in the area of greener reaction conditions.
Cooling systems for comfort in commercial buildings and cooling industrial processes require added chemicals to control microbial growth, mineral deposits and corrosion. Nalco developed 3D TRASAR technology to monitor the condition of cooling water continuously and add appropriate chemicals only when needed. The technique saves water and energy, optimizes the use of water-treatment chemicals, reduces air and wastewater emissions, and extends equipment life. In 2008, more than 8,500 3D TRASAR units worldwide saved an estimated 238.1 billion liters of water, enough water to provide for the annual basic water needs of more than 13 million people.
In 1999 Nalco was recognized with a Green Chemistry Challenge Award for our Ultimer® polymers. Traditional oil-based emulsion polymers, commonly used for water treatment and as a process aid in many industries, introduce oil and surfactant into the environment. Our Ultimer polymers are manufactured in water-based salt solutions, eliminating the release of five million pounds of oil into the environment annually. In addition, the manufacturing process utilizes a waste by-product (ammonium sulfate) from another industrial process.
Pollution Prevention Awards
Illinois annually recognizes select companies for successful waste reduction activities. Illinois Governor's Pollution Prevention Awards are given to businesses and organizations that have helped the environment and the economy of the state by successfully reducing the generation of gaseous, liquid, and solid waste. Nalco has been honored nine times with this award, five times our Clearing Plant in Bedford Park has been recognized for manufacturing improvements that reduced energy and water use, as well as wastewater production.
In addition to our ULTIMER polymers, other Nalco green technologies have won Illinois Pollution Prevention Awards, including:
- Our STA•BR•EX® microbiological program, which mimics the naturally occurring stabilized bromine that white blood cells use to treat infection. It is less toxic to aquatic wildlife, safer for our customers' employees and generates less byproduct than un-stabilized halogen treatments.
- The PORTA-FEED® Advanced Chemical Handling System, a family of reusable containers, have eliminated the need to use and dispose of more than four million 210 liter drums.
The Pennsylvania Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence honors businesses and organizations that tackle environmental problems and help build new businesses, enhance the bottom line and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in their communities. Our plant in Ellwood City was recognized for its waste minimization and water use reduction efforts in 2007 and 2009.
Safety Recognition
Our Garyville Plant in the United States won a SAFE (Serious About Fostering Excellence) Award for safety, environmental and community performance from the Louisiana Chemical Association. Our Fawley Plant in the United Kingdom won six consecutive Gold Awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). RoSPA Gold Award winners have achieved a very high level of performance, demonstrating well developed occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk and very low levels of error, harm and loss. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration have given a Voluntary Protection Program Star Award to our Sugar Land Plant in the United States for outstanding workplace safety and health management.