Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, Minn., has received the 2011 Cleantech Tekne Award from the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) for its new Aquanomic™ laundry system.  Designed for use in hotels and other institutional settings, the Aquanomic laundry system utilizes innovative wash formulas and low-temperature chemistry to reduce water and energy consumption by up to 40 percent while providing clean, white and soft results.
 
“Ecolab’s purpose is to help make the world cleaner, safer and healthier everywhere it matters, and that’s what drives our innovation,” said Dr. Larry Berger, senior vice president of Research, Development and Engineering and chief technical officer. “Our sustainable laundry solutions are the result of our focused research and development work, and we are proud to be recognized by the MHTA.”
 
One of 14 Tekne Award categories, the Cleantech Award is given annually to Minnesota businesses that manufacture environmentally sound products or solutions that reduce costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste or pollution.
 
Previously, Ecolab received a 2009 Tekne Award in the Green category for incorporating sustainability principles into its business model.  The company also received a 2007 Tekne award in the Leadership category for furthering technology expansion in the state.