On December 6, 2016, EPA announced its funding of $1.3 million in investments to 13 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects.  All 13 projects are focused on producing innovative and creative solutions to the country’s current environmental issues.  Each company will receive a SBIR Phase I contract for up to $100,000 to develop their green technology.  Companies that successfully complete Phase I can apply for a Phase II contract of up to $300,000 to commercialize their technology for the marketplace.  Two of the 13 projects involve repurposing waste to generate new commercial products.
 
Professional Analytical & Consulting Services, Inc. is producing electrically conductive plastic pellets from scrap automotive tires and waste plastic.  Phase I of the project will focus on evaluating the electrical conductivity of different blends of plastics and tire waste.  A continuation of the project into Phase II would involve the construction of a pilot plant and the initiation of 3D manufacturing of plastic parts.
 
Revolution Research, Inc. is designing a manufacturing process for bio-based ceiling tiles using nanocellulose, a byproduct of the forest industry.  The objective is to manufacture ceiling tiles that are durable, non-hazardous, and compostable, and possess higher insulation properties than currently-available products.  Revolution Research will also develop a process to treat the ceiling tiles using non-hazardous enhancements.