Worker with logs in a wood recycling plant.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given $100,000 in small business innovation grants to 24 companies. These grants aim to help businesses turn waste into products that benefit the environment.
A total of $2.4 million was awarded on January 13 through the EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program. Companies in this first stage must create a proof-of-concept for their technology within six months. If they succeed, they can apply for up to $400,000 in the next Phase II to bring their ideas to market.
Maureen Gwinn from the EPA praised these businesses for their commitment to innovation and environmental solutions. She highlighted how their ideas can lead to a healthier planet and a sustainable economy.
The companies are based in various states, including Arizona, California, and Texas, among others.
This funding aims to help small businesses create innovative environmental technologies in areas like:
- Air quality and climate,
- Clean and safe water,
- Homeland security,
- Land revitalization,
- Risk assessment,
- Safer chemicals, and
- Sustainable materials management.
In the second phase, companies that secure third-party investments can receive an extra $100,000 for commercialization. The SBIR program supports green technologies to protect the Earth.
One featured recipient is Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply from Sebastopol, California. They are creating a platform to boost sales of reclaimed lumber and building materials.
The reclaimed lumber industry is expected to reach $11 billion by 2030. However, the construction sector discards over 27 million tons of wood waste each year—much of which could be repurposed. Using reclaimed wood helps cut emissions and stores carbon for the long-term. Making these materials available online can significantly reduce national waste.
Relief-cast terracotta tiles in a salvage yard.
Nativo Inc., a flooring company in Florida, will use its grant for innovative technology to safely remove ceramic tiles for reuse.
Boulder’s PAGE Technologies Inc. plans to create chemical sensors that can monitor water quality in real time. This will provide an affordable, effective tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
Fabric rolls inside a sustainable workshop.
In Hull, Georgia, EcoaTEX LLC aims to turn agricultural waste into biodegradable fibers, offering a sustainable option to cotton and synthetics. This approach not only helps the environment but also supports local farmers by providing a new use for their waste.
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environment,technology,EPA,small business,water quality,sustainable fibers,startup,lumber,ceramic tile,waste conversion
