Business Grants is sponsored by Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell. TURI offers grants to help Massachusetts businesses adopt safer alternatives to toxic chemicals. This can include projects focused on reducing the use of chemicals that contribute to corrosion or other forms of material degradation.

Building a future free of toxic chemicals TURI has helped businesses adopt safer chemicals and prevent pollution for more than 30 years. Established in 1989 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, TURI is a government entity based at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) and focused on protecting workers, communities, and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution.

Working in close collaboration with businesses of all sizes, as well as government agencies, local communities and international organizations, TURI helps identify actions companies and communities can take to protect workers and public health.

How we’re doing it Search by Chemical Enhancing Competitiveness Through Toxics Use Reduction By focusing on toxics use reduction, companies can protect the health of their workforce and the community while also achieving considerable savings and boosting profitability.

The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program helps organizations optimize their processes, decrease waste, and lower compliance costs, leading to improved financial performance while fostering safer environments in Massachusetts and beyond. “Forever” chemicals are seemingly everywhere. The science is clear on their adverse impacts and regulators are restricting their use.

TURI is working to develop safer alternatives to the use of PFAS. Toxics Use Reduction is a best practice to protect workers, children, minorities, and other groups at greatest risk from the use of toxics in their communities. Our analyses inform targeted interventions to reduce exposure among underserved communities.

From technical assistance and grants, to policy analysis and trainings, TURI takes a multifaceted approach to help businesses and communities reduce the presence of toxics at home, at work and in our environment. We train and equip experts in substitution to work with businesses across a range of industries. We help identify, invent, and test alternatives to some of the most challenging uses of toxic chemicals today.

Turning Science to Policy We work with a range of scientists and stakeholders to conduct robust policy analyses and alternatives assessments. We support businesses and communities to help overcome obstacles to the adoption of safer alternatives with financial assistance.

Our team includes scientists, engineers and policy experts, who have helped companies and communities successfully reduce the use and emission of toxic chemicals for over 30 years. Toxics Use Reduction focuses on minimizing risks to workers, families and communities by avoiding the use of hazardous substances at the source.

First developed in Massachusetts, Toxics Use Reduction has served as a gold standard for efforts to prevent pollution and protect workers. Our team of experts is dedicated to offering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of companies. We collaborate closely with businesses throughout their transformative journey, guiding them towards the adoption of safer alternatives.

A track-record of success Our systematic approach of Toxics Use Reduction has improved the competitiveness of businesses, while reducing substances linked to cancer, birth defects, neurological damage and other adverse health impacts from our water, our food, our air, as well as the places we work and call home.

In a groundbreaking endeavor, Transene Company joined forces with the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) to embark on a journey to discover safer alternatives to PFAS used in semiconductor etching, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.

Over the course of only 18 months, our dynamic collaboration tirelessly researched, evaluated, and implemented innovative substitutes for PFAS. Not only did we succeed in finding a safer alternative, but we also managed to achieve cost savings by identifying a lower cost safer alternative. This remarkable success story serves as a testament to the power of collaboration.

By bringing together industry experts, academic researchers, and TURI staff, we have not only achieved groundbreaking advancements but also paved the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. TURI meets users of toxic chemicals where they are at in their journey to safer alternatives.

In addition to research and technical support, we offers training, grants, lab testing and other services to help companies reduce toxic chemical use. Watch this video to hear directly from industries, small businesses and communities about how they reduced toxics.

Organizations featured in the video include Lytron of Woburn, Merrimack Ales of Lowell, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School of Marlborough, Siemens Healthineers Point of Care, Walker’s Gymnastics and Dance in Lowell, Little Leaf Lettuce of Devens, and the City of Springfield. Hear also from Toxics Use Reduction Planner Roxann Carstensen.

Reducing Toxics Everywhere Schools can make improvements throughout their buildings and school grounds to protect the health of children and teachers. Reduce the use of toxics by using safer cleaners and disinfectants, organic grass maintenance to eliminate the need for pesticides and more.

Many small businesses use toxic or hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, oils, greases and inks in their daily operations that can adversely impact human health and the environment. Healthy Homes and Neighborhoods Local communities, neighborhoods, city and town governments and individuals all have opportunities to reduce toxic chemicals in daily life.

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