The government is looking to identify companies that have reduced the use of harmful substances in industrial settings by utilizing low-toxicity alternatives and technologies.
On August 31, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced that it will hold the 'Green Chemistry Best Practices Contest' in collaboration with the Korea Environmental Preservation Agency.
This contest aims to move away from traditional methods of managing and handling chemical accidents by finding cases that have reduced the use of harmful substances from the design stage of products and processes, and to promote these practices within the industry.
Eligible participants include companies that manufacture, import, or use chemical substances in South Korea. They must have developed or utilized low-toxicity alternatives or technologies in the past five years to significantly reduce the use of harmful substances or enhance the safety of chemical materials.
Interested companies can apply from September 1 to 18 by checking the application form and details on the Korea Environmental Preservation Agency's website and submitting the relevant documents via email.
The government will conduct evaluations based on scientific and technological innovation, the safety and economic viability of alternative materials and technologies, and their industrial impact. Companies that actively participate in government policies and pilot projects will receive additional points.
The final results will be announced at the end of October. One company will receive the Minister of Climate's Award, and two will receive the Excellence Award, while five others will be honored with the Korea Environmental Preservation Agency Director's Award. The awards ceremony will take place during the 'Chemical Safety Week' event on November 17.
Award-winning cases will be compiled into a best practices book and promotional materials to help companies transition to safer materials and processes.
Jo Hyun-soo, Director of the Environmental Health Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "It is important for the industry to actively reduce the use of harmful substances and transition to safer materials and processes. We hope for active participation from companies practicing green chemistry in industrial settings."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.