United States EPA
Green Chemistry Award

WSI has been recognized yet again for their groundbreaking technology, TRUpath™.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the American Chemical Society (ACS), has selected Washing Systems to receive the 2019 Green Chemistry Challenge Award.  “As a recipient of this prestigious award, Washing Systems is distinguished at the national level as an innovator in green chemistry,” commented Tracy C. Williamson, Ph.D. (Chief, Industrial Chemistry Branch EPA). 

In the 22-year history of the Green Chemistry Challenge, US EPA has presented only 5 awards per year out of over 1,600 nominations. Previous winners include: Dow Chemical, BASF, Sherwin-Williams, Dupont and Cargill.  WSI is the first winner of this award from the commercial laundry industry and will be recognized, along with 3 other winners, at an event on June 10^th in Washington D.C.

“We are both humbled and extremely proud to be selected as a recipient of this award,” stated John Walroth, CEO.  “The selection criteria is exhaustive, and sets a very high standard.  I believe this elevates our entire laundry industry.”

Leading the industry in green innovations, WSI has spearheaded the initiative to remove NPE’s, phosphates, EDTA, and now, alkali (Sodium Hydroxide).  WSI has been awarded for TRUpath™ by the Ohio EPA (Platinum Level), National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, and the Textile Rental Services Association’s Clean Green Innovation award.

Vice President of Research and Development, Roy Praechter, “On behalf of my whole team, I feel extremely privileged to receive this high honor.  As a career development chemist, this is the pinnacle of our field.  I have been with WSI almost since the beginning, and it is with great pride I accept this award on behalf of our Research and Development Department and our entire organization.”

Key criteria for this US EPA Award include being an original technology never used before and that it must be scientifically valid, withstanding the scrutiny of peer review, have proof of validity, and have a mechanism of action clarified by detailed research.  The technology must also offer these three distinct advantages; a practical and cost-effective approach to green chemistry, a remedy to a real environmental or human health problem, and the innovation must be readily transferrable to other processes, facilities, or industry sectors.

“The exciting thing for us is the huge operational and merchandise savings that our customers experience, while at the same time being able to process in a much safer and sustainable environment,” added Walroth.  “Improved cleaning, shorter wash times, less water and energy, longer lasting textiles and Hi-Vis tapes, elimination of acid treatment, and it goes on and on.  It is rewarding for our team to have the EPA distinguishing TRUpath™ in this way.  The scale of benefits for our customers has exceeded our own expectations.”

For more information on TRUpath™ Click Here