ChemGenes Corporation of Wilmington Saves Money and Reduces Solvent Use by 70 Percent

June 6, 2013 – ChemGenes Corporation will demonstrate its new solvent recovery and recycling system on June 6 at its Wilmington headquarters. Using this new solvent recovery and recycling system, the company expects to reduce the use of Hexane and Ethyl Acetate by 27,000 pounds or 70 percent annually. 

 In addition to a demonstration of the recycling and recovery system, and a plant tour, ChemGenes will describe how it developed the business case for this Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) initiative and what alternatives were explored, as well as how the system works and what employee training was necessary.

 This demonstration is also an opportunity to learn about ChemGenes history with TUR which began in 2005. Working with the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), the company reduced its use of Chloroform by 55 percent and Hexane by 35 percent, realizing a net savings of at least $215,000.

 According to Chief Operating Officer Anuj Mohan, “Toxics Use Reduction is part of our continuous effort to improve operations, product quality, and reduce environmental impact.”

 The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell awarded ChemGenes a demonstration grant in 2012 to show other companies that use solvents, the benefits of cost savings due to reduced chemical purchases, regulatory fees, disposal costs and increased productivity.

 “Part of ChemGenes success in reducing the use and disposal of toxic chemicals is the thoughtful approach they take to continuous incremental improvements in their manufacturing process,” said Joy Onasch, community and small business program manager of TURI.

 Companies that use solvents are encouraged to attend this demonstration. The event will take place at ChemGenes Corporation, 33 Industrial Way, Wilmington, Mass., 1 to 4:00 p.m. Participation is free of charge but you must pre-register by contacting Maria Scholl, [email protected] or 978-934-4964.

 Safety glasses, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required. No photos may be taken but will be provided.

 About ChemGenes

ChemGenes Corporation, a 25-employee company, supplies products related to DNA & RNA synthesis for the biotechnology industry and currently manufactures in a 20,000 square-foot facility geared towards small to mid-scale chemical manufacturing. www.chemgenes.com

  About the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA)

OTA provides free, confidential, on-site technical and compliance consultations to Massachusetts businesses and institutions to help improve their environmental performance. Visit the OTA web site.

  About The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell

TURI provides resources and tools to help make the Commonwealth a safer and more sustainable place to live and work by collaborating with businesses, community organizations and government agencies to reduce toxic chemical use. Visit www.turi.org