Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award Recipient

ITU AbsorbTech has been named a 2026 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award recipient. Presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the award recognizes Wisconsin businesses for their work in sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental innovation.

ITU AbsorbTech’s Environmental Stewardship initiative helps manufacturers reduce waste and recover valuable resources through its managed reuse program for industrial towels and oil absorbents. Rather than relying on disposable wiping products, the company collects, launders, inspects, and returns reusable SorbIts® absorbents, Ultra™ Shop Towels, and Ultra™ Printer Towels to customers, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes landfill waste and pollution.

In 2025, ITU AbsorbTech’s programs helped customers divert more than 19 million pounds of solid waste from landfills, recover over 547,000 gallons of oil, and reclaim more than 146,000 gallons of solvent. These efforts reduced emissions, prevented potential environmental contamination, and provided customers with measurable sustainability results.

To further improve environmental performance, the company invested in advanced 3D TRASAR™ wastewater treatment technology and enhanced laundering chemistry to address evolving industrial processes. ITU AbsorbTech also broke ground on a new processing facility designed to test and implement innovative treatment methods. Through continuous investment, resource recovery, and waste reduction, ITU AbsorbTech demonstrates industry-leading environmental stewardship while helping customers achieve sustainability goals.

For the 36th year, WMC is recognizing nine companies with the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award. This year’s winners have
been chosen for programs that demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection, or a level of effort beyond that which is required for regulatory compliance. These success stories reflect the continued commitment of Wisconsin industry to environmental protection.

The 2026 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award winners were selected from 20 finalists by an independent panel of judges.