Chicago Glue & Machine Sets New Industry Standard with State Green Certification

Itasca, IL – February 25, 2026 –

Chicago Glue and Machine set a new industry standard by earning green certification through Sustainable DuPage and the Illinois Green Business Program. The achievement recognizes the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its successful implementation of sustainable business practices across its operations.

Becoming a Certified Illinois Green Business isn’t just a certificate in a frame, it represents an acknowledgement in how Chicago Glue incorporated sustainability across all its operations. By meeting the IGBA’s high standards, the company has joined an elite group of Illinois businesses dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint while boosting economic performance.

“Sustainability is very important to CGM,” said Adam Norton, General Manager of Chicago Glue and Machine. “…we want to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to reduce our impact on the environment.”

To earn this certification, Chicago Glue and Machine underwent a rigorous evaluation of its internal processes, focusing on six key areas of sustainability: energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, transportation, and community engagement.

“Chicago Glue and Machine was already implementing many sustainability initiatives that reduced waste and environmental impact,” said Cassie Carroll, Assistant Director at the EnergySense Resilience Center at the University of Illinois System. “Certification cemented their commitment to operating as a sustainable business and showcased how manufacturers in the Chicagoland area can join their lead.”

As a part of the certification process, Chicago Glue and Machine implemented several key initiatives, including:

• Waste Diversion: Implemented a robust recycling program that captures hard-to-recycle materials, such as batteries and bread tabs.
• Policies in Place: Approved policies to ensure sustainability practices are maintained over time in partnership with their “Stuck on Sustainability” committee.
• Green Cleaning: Prioritized the use of less-toxic cleaning supplies that were EPA Safer Choice certified to improve indoor air quality and employee safety.
• Water Conservation: Reuse water in their cooling process and installed low-flow faucet aerators on handwashing sinks to reduce water use.
• Neighborhood Clean-Ups: Hosts annual neighborhood cleanups in their business park to reduce pollution and litter, keeping their business park clean.

Chicago Glue and Machine’s certification was made possible through the Sustainable DuPage Green Business Program, a partnership between the EnergySense Resilience Center and Choose DuPage.

“The Sustainable DuPage program through Choose DuPage is a powerful catalyst for an organization,” said Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. “The program provides practical tools, expert guidance, and a clear path forward, enabling a company to elevate their sustainability efforts and successfully achieve Illinois Green Business Certification. The partnership formed with EnergySense Resilience Center strengthens environmental impact and long-term business strategy.”

Chicago Glue and Machine set an example for others in their industry that demonstrates that increasing efficiency with sustainability in mind can also be a profitable business strategy for Illinois companies.

About Chicago Glue and Machine

At Chicago Glue & Machine, our mission is to keep bottles decent, boxes’ bottoms secured and rid the world of glue-mergencies, 24/7/365. We provide the glue, adhesives and equipment our customers rely on to avoid the drama of a world without glue.

 About Sustainable DuPage

Sustainable DuPage is a sustainability-focused program led by Choose DuPage in partnership with the DuPage County Environmental Division, designed to help local businesses adopt greener practices, reduce environmental impact, and connect them to resources, incentives, and education. A key component is offering free Green Business Assessments and sustainability resources that help companies improve efficiency, lower costs, and take actionable steps toward environmental stewardship. The initiative also hosts webinars, toolkits, and sustainability planning tools aimed at educating and motivating organizations to implement sustainable practices in operations and long-term growth. Learn more here.

About the Illinois Green Business Program

The Illinois Green Business Program is a partnership between the nonprofit organization, the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) and the EnergySense Resilience Center at the University of Illinois System. Through the Illinois Green Business Certification Program, they provide the tools, support, and resources necessary for businesses to thrive while protecting the environment.

IGBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses throughout Illinois adopt sustainable practices. Learn more here. EnergySense empowers organizations such as communities, businesses, and public agencies, with practical solutions for climate, energy, and sustainability. Learn more here.