PolyGone Systems, ACUA Win NJ Award for Microplastic Removal Project

PolyGone Systems and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority grabbed a Governor's Environmental Excellence Award for their microplastic removal work at the wastewater plant in Atlantic City.

The 26th annual awards program recognized individuals, businesses, groups, and towns that make exceptional efforts to protect the environment and push solutions across environmental problems in New Jersey. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection runs this program with help from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology.

"On behalf of the Governor, DEP and the I-Bank are proud to honor all of this year's awardees for their spirited dedication to protecting the environment we all share and the health of our communities," said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, per a news release. "Their passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all and exemplifies why New Jersey is a national leader in environmental protection."

Deputy Commissioner Kati Angarone and I-Bank Executive Director David Zimmer handed out the awards at the ceremony. PolyGone and ACUA received the Watershed Management and Water Resources award.

The project launched in September 2024. It runs as the world's first municipal-scale microplastic removal system. A filtration setup catches microplastics from treated wastewater before discharge into the ocean.

Since launch, the system has caught millions of microplastic particles. PolyGone Systems is a Princeton University spinoff cleantech company that built the technology.

A panel of judges looked at nominations based on their impact on the environment, actions to address New Jersey's needs, leadership and innovation, and use of outreach and educational activities to make an impact in their communities. This awards program has served as New Jersey's top environmental awards program since 2000.

More information on the initiative is available at www.polygonesystems.com and www.acua.com/microplastics.