Creating Competitive Advantage Foundational Green Chemistry Training for Industry
The Creating Competitive Advantage workshop series advances sustainable and safer chemical manufacturing across New York State by bringing national expertise, practical solutions, and funding resources directly to manufacturers. Led by
Why attend
Green chemistry is a competitive business strategy that drives innovation, reduces risk, prevents pollution, and supports safer, more sustainable operations. This training equips industry representatives with practical knowledge and direct access to experts who can help them apply greener approaches within their organizations.
What you’ll learn & why it matters
This workshop delivers practical knowledge and clear business value for chemical manufacturers seeking safer, more competitive operations, including:
- high-level understanding of green chemistry and its relevance to your industry
- core principles that can reduce hazards, prevent pollution, improve efficiency, and drive innovation for cost-competitive products
- environmental and community health benefits tied to reduced emissions of Toxic Release Inventory (TRI)-reportable chemicals
- reduced regulatory burden through decreased TRI-reportable emissions
- industry‑specific examples showing how safer chemistry has helped companies save money, address regulatory concerns, reduce TRI-regulated chemical use and release, decrease hazardous waste generation, and create greener products
- risk-reduction strategies for product portfolios, chemical selection, and process design
- worker health and safety benefits that can reduce accidents, ease burdens related to compliance, and improve retention
- competitiveness drivers tied to customer expectations, regulatory trends, and emerging market demands
- circular economy alignment that helps companies transition from linear to more sustainable material flows
- available resources and funding including federal and state programs, plus NYSP2I financial assistance for direct support
Who should attend
Manufacturing representatives who work with chemicals in their industry, including:
- executives
- financial officers
- environmental health and safety professionals
- operations leaders
- marketing professionals
- product developers
- research and development scientists
Because green chemistry decisions can affect product design, process efficiency, regulatory reporting, worker safety, and market positioning, the workshops are designed for cross-functional teams as well as individual participants.
What to expect
Each session is tailored to a priority subsector—including: resin, rubber, fibers, and filaments; basic chemicals; pharmaceuticals and medicine; and other chemical product manufacturing—and highlights industry‑specific strategies, technical assistance opportunities, and connections to academic researchers.
Participants will:
- engage with Dr. John Warner, an internationally recognized leader in green chemistry
- explore sector‑specific examples showing how green chemistry can prevent pollution, reduce hazardous waste, and lower TRI‑reportable emissions
- learn about federal and state resources that support safer chemistry and sustainable manufacturing
- connect with academic researchers across New York State to strengthen innovation pathways
- access technical assistance through NYSP2I’s Direct Assistance Program for facility‑specific support
Don’t miss the chance to experience personalized training tailored to your business challenges with
About John Warner
Dr. John Warner is an industrial chemist who co-founded the field of green chemistry. In 1998, he published the defining book that established the definition and Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. He founded the first Ph.D. program in green chemistry in 2001.
As an entrepreneur, John is a prolific inventor with over 370 patents to his name. He has successfully invented and brought new technologies to market in the areas of neurochemistry, cosmetics, construction materials, biodegradable polymers, photovoltaics, water harvesting, flow chemistry, and AI-assisted drug discovery. Additional technologies under development include innovations in Alzheimer's disease, oncology, engineered wood composites, battery/e-waste recycling, controlled-release systems, and metal oxide semiconductors.
Register
Registration is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot early for the location nearest you. Topics may be customized based on issues most relevant to regional industry challenges.
Venue locations will be made available soon.
📍 Oct. 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Buffalo, NY
📍 Nov. 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Syracuse, NY
📍 Jan. 26, 2027, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., condensed virtual webinar
📍 Feb. 25, 2027, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Albany, NY
📍 March 23, 2027, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., NYC/Long Island
All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).
Questions? Contact Sarah Briggs at skbgis@rit.edu
This work by subawardee Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is supported by prime funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency IIJA Grant No. 96277424 to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to support the New York State Green Chemistry Initiative for the Chemical Manufacturing Industry. Be advised, these document(s) may not have been formally reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and may not reflect the views and policies of the EPA or of the New York State DEC. The EPA and NYS DEC do not endorse any trade names or recommend the use of commercial products that may be mentioned in these documents (if applicable).
