Environmental Manufacturing Solutions (EMS) has spent over two decades transforming the chemical industry by replacing hazardous acids, caustics, and bleaches with safer, more sustainable alternatives. As the demand for environmentally friendly and food-safe cleaning solutions has grown, EMS has expanded its reach across 63 countries, providing innovative chemical technologies that prioritize worker safety, equipment longevity, and environmental responsibility. 

In this interview, Tim Otto, Vice President of Sales at EMS, discusses the company’s journey from its early focus on industrial and military applications to its growing role in food processing and consumer markets. He shares insights into the challenges of shifting industry perceptions around “green” products, the importance of certifications like OU Kosher, and how real-world incidents have driven companies to seek safer chemical alternatives. Otto also reflects on EMS’s continuous innovation and its role in shaping a future where high-performance chemicals no longer come at the cost of human health or environmental harm. 

Company Overview and Tim Otto’s Role 

OU Kosher: Tim, let’s start with an overview of your organization and your role at EMS. 

Tim Otto: Sure. EMS has been around for about 24 years. We’re headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, and we manufacture chemicals in the U.S. Our specialty is replacing hazardous chemicals like acids, caustics, and bleach with safer alternatives—safe for skin, equipment, and the environment. I’m the VP of Sales and manage our distribution network. I’ve been with the company for 22 years. We have dealers in 63 countries and provide safer chemical alternatives across multiple industries. 

The Shift Toward Safer Chemicals 

OU Kosher: It sounds like EMS was ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability and safer chemicals. 

Tim Otto: Definitely. Early on, some parts of the world prioritized safer and more sustainable chemicals more than others. But over time, we’ve seen a global shift away from “forever chemicals” and other harmful substances. I’ve been with EMS for over two decades, and the awareness around safety and environmental impact has really grown. 

When we first started, people assumed “green” meant “ineffective.” Our challenge has always been proving that our products offer both safety and performance. Fortunately, we make very unique chemical formulations, so we’re able to give customers the power they need while being safe. 

Global Market Adoption 

OU Kosher: In the U.S., “green” can be a fraught term in some places. What markets have been the most receptive to your products? 

Tim Otto: A lot of the same industries that seek kosher certification are interested in our products. Food processing is a big one—they’re always looking for safer alternatives. Of course, cost is always a factor, and our chemicals do cost more than traditional acids and caustics, but the food industry still comes to us frequently. 

Other strong markets include oil and gas, marine applications, janitorial services, and agriculture. In agriculture, for example, farmers typically use acids that are dangerous to store and bad for soil health. 

We also have private-label partners that sell directly to consumers. You can probably find a product using EMS technology within 10 miles of where you’re sitting—our products are in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Publix, as well as on Amazon. 

Patents and In-House Product Development 

OU Kosher: I saw you have a number of patents. So all of your products are developed in-house? 

Tim Otto: Yes, we don’t distribute other companies’ products—everything is developed in-house. Our founder, John, is one of the inventors, and we even make our own surfactants. 

One of our main principles is that we only produce triple-zero HMIS products. 

Understanding HMIS Ratings 

OU Kosher: Can you explain what that means in simple terms? 

Tim Otto: Sure. Every chemical that gets transported and stored has an HMIS score, which stands for Hazardous Materials Identification System. It includes three main categories: health, flammability, and reactivity. The health rating tells you whether you need protective gear like gloves or goggles. Flammability indicates whether the chemical can catch fire, and reactivity measures how it behaves under pressure or when mixed with water. 

A triple-zero rating (0-0-0) means the product has no health risk, is non-flammable, and is non-reactive. To put it in perspective, even something as seemingly mild as dish soap will carry a 1-1-0 or rating or higher as some of the ingredients are flammable and can irritate your skin. Our products are safe, even though they replace harsh industrial chemicals like hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. 

Overcoming Skepticism in Food Processing 

OU Kosher: How do you handle skepticism from food processors who associate “green” with being weak? 

Tim Otto: That’s a common challenge. We work through distributors who specialize in specific markets, like animal feed, ethanol production, or sugar processing. We provide patented chemical solutions, and our distributors sell to major brands like Kraft and Kellogg’s. 

We don’t cold call or send mass emails. Instead, we rely on distributors who already have relationships in the industry. Some customers proactively seek out safer alternatives, while others wait until they have an issue—an injury, equipment damage, or a fine—before making the switch. 

We also conduct side-by-side trials to show that our synthetic acid replacements work just as well—if not better—than the traditional chemicals they use. 

The Importance of Kosher Certification 

OU Kosher: What led EMS to pursue kosher certification? 

Tim Otto: When I joined, we didn’t even have a food industry line. We were selling acid replacements to the U.S. Navy and the concrete industry. 

As we expanded, food processing companies started asking us for solutions, and our distributors told us that our first step was getting kosher certification. I did some research and saw that 70% of food products are kosher certified, so it was clear that this was a critical step. 

It’s not just about meeting requirements—it also signals to food processors that our products are designed specifically for their industry. When they see the OU Kosher logo on our packaging, it gives them immediate confidence that the product is designed for their applications. 

Looking to the Future 

OU Kosher: Any exciting developments on the horizon? 

Tim Otto: We’re expanding into lithium mining and refining our formulations for food processing and consumer products.

Closing Thoughts

OU Kosher: Thanks, Tim. This has been a great conversation. It must be gratifying to be selling a product that helps keep people safe. 

Tim Otto: No question. I consider myself very fortunate. 

https://www.enviromfg.com