PA Sustainable Small Business Award
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The inaugural winner of the PA Sustainable Small Business Award, given by the University's Center for Green Industries and Sustainable Business Growth, is ReAxis Inc., an environmentally-friendly chemical manufacturer in Washington County with a strong social commitment to the community. ReAxis produces an extensive range of products, including plastics, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, personal care, hydrogen peroxide, oil/gas drilling additives, electronics and lubricants. The company is committed to diversity in the workplace and to the education of their clients and suppliers on the importance of being green.
The company achieved the voluntary Quality System Registrar rating, which supports the manufacture and supply of specialty chemi cals, and is ISO 9000 certified, which ensures that their data is properly managed. It also is certified in REACH, the European Union international chemical regulation.
"REACH is the most difficult chemical regulation in the world for compliance, and Company President Leon Perez has pointed out that their company wanted to set the highest example for all firms in their own and other industries," said Dr. Mary McKinney, director of the Center for Green Industries and Sustainable Business Growth. "We also think that because they are small and have achieved all of this, they are truly committed and can be a great example that you can be small, sustainable and profitable at the same time."
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In addition to the small business award, a special Sustainability Champion Award recognizes the nonprofit Green Building Alliance . The award applauds GBA's commitment to operating a healthy and sustainable workplace, while also educating and motivating others to do the same. GBA was chosen for this award due to their significant contributions to preserving the local environment while promoting business-friendly sustainable practices.
The awards were presented at the Beard Symposium, on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. The event celebrated 100 Years of Sustainabili ty and featured noted authors Bill McDonough, an architect and co-author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, and Andrew Winston, co-author of Green to Gold, as well as a panel of industry experts.