Armstrong Hilliard Plant Awarded $25,000 Innovation Grant to Advance Sustainable Paint Waste Filtration Technology

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), a leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions, recently announced that its Hilliard, Ohio manufacturing plant has been awarded a $25,000 Innovation Grant from the Hilliard Development Corporation (HDC) to support the development of a cutting-edge paint waste filtration system. The grant will fund ongoing testing and implementation of the Vibratory Shear Enhanced Processing (VSEP) unit, a system designed to significantly reduce colored paint waste sent to landfills.

The Innovation Grant, provided by the HDC - a non-profit organization supporting local technological advancement and economic growth - will help AWI reach its 2030 water optimization sustainability goals by enabling the plant to divert up to 80% of its colored paint waste from landfill disposal. Read more about AWI's sustainability goals in its 2025 Sustainability Report.

"This funding will be instrumental in enhancing plant operations for greater sustainability, increasing water reuse that would otherwise go to a landfill," said Dave Muth, Hilliard Plant Manager. "It will also support a greener future for central Ohio while helping the Hilliard plant achieve its 2030 water optimization sustainability targets." The VSEP technology transforms this colored paint waste into a reusable water stream and a filtered solid. The treated water can then be reintegrated into manufacturing processes or safely released to the municipal water system, while solids are collected for responsible disposal or further processing.

David Meadows, Economic Development Director for the City of Hilliard, said "The City of Hilliard and the Hilliard Development Corporation were thrilled to support Armstrong's grant request to improve sustainability of its processes. The Hilliard Innovation Grant empowers local businesses that embrace innovation and forward-thinking ideas. By installing this new water and paint filtration system, Armstrong is significantly reducing wastewater sent to landfills. We are proud to support their continued leadership in sustainable manufacturing and grateful to have them as a valued member of our community."

The Armstrong Hilliard plant specializes in custom color options for mineral fiber ceiling tiles. The VSEP project is part of Armstrong's broader commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation across its operations.