Future Origins Triumphs with National Green Chemistry Award
On August 25, 2025, the American Chemical Society (ACS) announced that Future Origins has been honored with the Green Chemistry Challenge Award for 2025 for its groundbreaking product, Nalo. This innovative solution offers a non-palm, zero-deforestation alternative to traditional C12/C14 fatty alcohols.
This award highlights the achievements of innovators focusing on sustainable chemistry, celebrating scientific breakthroughs that help make the field safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Future Origins' recognition falls within the category of Specific Environmental Benefit, underlining its commitment to commercializing sustainable alternatives for essential ingredients used in cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaning supplies.
John Gugel, CEO of Future Origins, expressed immense pride in receiving this accolade from ACS, stating, "This award is a testament to the dedication, ingenuity, and creativity of our entire team, who have worked tirelessly to develop an innovative solution that can be deployed at scale for a significant positive impact. This journey has been filled with excitement, and we immensely appreciate our partners for sharing our vision of a sustainable future."
The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards acknowledge technologies that aim to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, enhance energy and water efficiency, and improve product sustainability while showcasing economic advantages. The award ceremony is scheduled for September 3, 2025, at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.
In addition to this honor, Future Origins has also received the ICIS Innovation Award earlier this month, further solidifying its role as a leader in developing environmentally friendly chemical alternatives. Founded by industrial biotechnology pioneer Geno, in collaboration with major industry players such as Unilever, Kao, and L'Oréal, Future Origins continues to pave the way for sustainable practices in the chemical industry. Geno has previously garnered the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award four times for advancing the production of essential chemicals from renewable resources at lower costs.
Production of Nalo is set to commence at an industrial scale within the upcoming years, with Future Origins establishing a manufacturing facility in the United States. Recently, Kao secured an offtake agreement that will cover a majority of the capacity of this initial manufacturing plant, showcasing the strong support for sustainable innovations in the chemical landscape.
For those interested in following the latest updates and advancements surrounding Nalo, additional information is available on the Future Origins website at
www.futureorigins.com. With this significant recognition, Future Origins sets a high standard for the future of sustainable chemistry, proving that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand in shaping a greener tomorrow.