Nanopool in London awarded international environmental prize

Hülzweiler/London. It’s a great honour for Nanopool GmbH from Hülzweiler: The family business founded in Saarland in 2001 has been awarded the international environmental prize ‘Green Apple Award 2008’ for a novel method of enhancing crop plants. The award ceremony, sponsored by the British government, took place today at the House of Commons in London.

This is the third international accolade of this kind for Nanopool within a year. Managing Director Sascha Schwindt sees this as further confirmation of the pioneering work done so far in the promising field of nanotechnology: “The award is also a commitment to continue on our path of protecting the environment and conserving resources.”

Nanopool was recognised for its research into significantly accelerating the germination of cereals and tomatoes using an ultra-thin protective layer. The non-toxic substance, which is also used in products like ketchup and medications, protects seeds from mould, bacteria, and insects, and could fundamentally simplify food production. “It is expected that our method will realise yield increases and prevent crop losses – and that without harmful substances,” says Schwindt. For the ‘Green Apple Award,’ 750 companies from around the world were nominated.

Professor Maximilian Gege, Chairman of the German Environmental Management Association (B.A.U.M.), sees the “internationally outstanding award” as confirmation of “the efficiency and innovative strength of small and medium-sized enterprises.” Gege: “Here, Nanopool demonstrates impressively how innovative products can provide tangible practical environmental and health protection.”