Based in Alfred, Ceramics Creates Change develops ceramic technologies intended to expand access to clean water, cleaner indoor air, and local manufacturing in low- and middle-income communities. Its work trains predominantly women potters and local carpenters to make candle water filters, insulating rocket stoves, and sanitary stoneware toilets using locally adaptable forming and firing methods. The organization’s projects have included water-filter production in Nepal, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda.
CerMedia LLCSince its formation in 2009, Buffalo-based CerMedia LLC has manufactured highly porous ceramic structures that give beneficial bacteria a place to grow for biological filtration. Its MarinePure media serves aquariums, ponds, and aquaculture, while BioVast brings the same open-pore ceramic approach to industrial wastewater and waste-gas remediation. The company operates more than 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Buffalo’s historic Black Rock neighborhood and reports more than 2,000 clients worldwide.BUFFALO, NY
Filtros LimitedSince 1913, East Rochester’s Filtros Limited has manufactured industrial porous ceramics and refractory components, with all products made on site. Its specialty is custom-shaped ceramic technology, including one-piece, gasket-free diffusers developed for corrosive ozone systems and filtration components built for demanding heat and chemical environments. Filtros also makes custom refractory supports and kiln furniture for high-temperature processing.ROCHESTER, NY
LifeStrawLifeStraw grew from a simple pipe filter developed to support the Carter Center’s Guinea worm eradication work into a purpose-driven maker of tested water filters and purifiers for homes, travel, outdoor use and emergencies. Its products are designed to remove contaminants such as bacteria, parasites and microplastics, while the company’s Give Back program provides a year of safe water to a child in need for every product sold. LifeStraw has distributed more than 38 million Guinea worm filters since 1994 and reports that over 11.8 million children gained safe-water access through its programs.BALTIMORE, MD