OMNOVA Solutions’ Performance Chemicals facility in Mogadore, OH, was recently presented with a 2007 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Performance from the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) - for the third year in a row. The award recognizes effective, vital and sustainable programs that have resulted in measurable enhancements to company performance, and the commitment to working in close collaboration with government officials, industry peers, and communities to share successes and encourage good relations.

OMNOVA’s Mogadore plant received the award for implementing a tool that assesses the risks associated with manufacturing a product, or the handling and use of a raw material. A final numerical score is determined for each raw material and product by evaluating and assigning a score for up to six different metrics. A material’s final score places it in one of four categories, ranging from lower to higher risk. Once a material is entered into the system, it is then searchable by any member of OMNOVA’s Performance Chemicals division. That information can then be disseminated to employees, carriers and customers, so they may take the appropriate measures to ensure the material’s safe handling and use. This risk evaluation system is part of a continuing division-wide effort to be responsible product stewards. Product Stewardship is a pillar of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Responsible Care®program. It focuses on managing the health, safety, environmental and security impact of a chemical throughout its life cycle, and communicating these guidelines to the necessary audiences.

The 2007 Awards for Excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Performance were presented on March 17 at The Athletic Club of Columbus, OH, on the opening day of the 30th Annual Conference of the OCTC. OMNOVA’s Mogadore facility won a 2006 award for initiating a new electronically managed Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) system. And in 2005, it won for a project to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the plant’s wastewater - achieving a 99% reduction.

The Ohio Chemistry Technology Council is a statewide trade association with nearly 70 member companies who are involved in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of products of chemistry.

For more information, visitwww.omnova.com.