Ministry seeks companies that have cut hazardous chemical use

South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy announced Monday it will hold a "Green Chemistry Best Practices Contest" to promote corporate efforts toward building a society safer from chemical hazards.

The contest, hosted by the ministry and organized by the Korea Environment Corporation, will identify and recognize companies that have reduced hazardous substance use at industrial sites — including through the adoption and expansion of substitute materials.

The ministry said it will focus particularly on identifying cases where companies have gone beyond after-the-fact chemical management and treatment to reduce hazardous substance use from the design stage of products and processes, and on spreading those green chemistry practices across industry.

Any company that manufactures, imports or otherwise handles chemicals domestically is eligible to apply, based on achievements over the past five years.

Eligible entries are cases in which a company developed or adopted low-toxicity substitute materials or technologies, contributing to a fundamental reduction in hazardous substance use and improved chemical safety.

Companies wishing to participate can access the Korea Environment Corporation website via the QR code on the contest poster to review the application form and detailed guidelines, then submit their applications and supporting materials from Tuesday through Sept. 18.

Submitted entries will be evaluated comprehensively on scientific and technological innovation, the safety of substitute materials or technologies, and economic viability and industrial impact. The review process will consist of a first-round written evaluation and a second-round in-person assessment. Small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as companies that have actively participated in government policies and pilot projects, will receive bonus points during the review.

Following a final review, eight companies will be selected by late October: one grand prize winner (Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy Minister Award), two excellence award winners (Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy Minister Award) and five merit award winners (Korea Environment Corporation President Award).

Awards will be presented in connection with the "Chemical Safety Week" event on Nov. 17. The ministry plans to share the winning cases across industry through a best-practices publication and promotional activities, using them as model examples of green chemistry that companies can reference in the field.

Jo Hyeon-su, director general of the ministry's Environmental Health Bureau, said ensuring the safety of the public and industrial workers from chemical hazards requires not only compliance with laws and regulations but also industry's own efforts to reduce hazardous substance use and transition to safer materials and processes. "We hope many companies that are genuinely practicing green chemistry at their sites will take an active interest and participate in this contest," he said.