Solazyme
Solazyme, Inc. has won the 2014 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its breakthrough platform technology to produce sustainable oil and products from microalgae for commercial use in a wide range of industries. The company will be honoured in a ceremony. Solazyme’s win represents the first time this technology that harnesses the power of microalgae to produce high performing, sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly products has been recognised by this prestigious award.
Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme said, ‘we are dedicated to solving some of the world’s biggest problems by unlocking the power of microalgae, one of the smallest and most ancient life forms, to help create a more sustainable future for people and our planet. Through this pursuit, Solazyme’s renewable oils and innovative new products are helping to transform industries as well as drive greener alternatives that can alleviate pressures on fragile ecosystems. We are truly honoured by the recognition of the Administration and Environmental Protection Agency.’
BIO
Amyris also received the award and the Biotechnology Industry Organisation (BIO) has congratulated its member companies on receiving the awards, which recognise industrial biotechnology’s contribution to reducing pollution at the source.
Jim Greenwood, BIO President and CEO said, ‘industrial biotechnology applications once again are recognised in the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge for their ability to prevent pollution. Today’s award for Solazyme marks the first time that a microalgae biotechnology application has been recognised. Solazyme’s algae oils are a sustainable alternative to petroleum. Likewise, Amyris’ farnesense is a breakthrough renewable hydrocarbon that displaces petroleum in diesel and jet fuels. I congratulate both Solazyme and Amyrus on receiving their accomplishments.’
The awards
The awards promote the environmental and economic benefits of developing and using novel green chemistry. This annual award recognises technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use. Since its inception in 1996, the EPA in patnership with the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute has received thousands of nominations from leading companies, entrepreneurs and academic researchers pioneering new discoveries.
Edited from press releases by Claira Lloyd