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The WRAP (Waste Reduction Always Pays) program was implemented by Dow Chemical Company's Louisiana Division starting in 1987. Evolving from an energy-saving contest initiated in 1981 to address oil price shocks and capital scarcity, the program expanded to include yield improvement and waste reduction. The program's creation was influenced by a 1985 congressional survey on emissions, pressure from environmental groups, and the upcoming SARA Title III reporting requirements. Over time, the program's financial criteria shifted from requiring a 100% return on investment (ROI) to a 30% ROI, with a minimum savings threshold of $10,000 per project.

The WRAP program at Dow Chemical's Louisiana Division incentivized employees to propose waste reduction projects by linking environmental goals with financial returns. Starting as an energy contest in 1981, it evolved into a comprehensive waste reduction initiative by 1986, utilizing a competitive submission process and ROI-based justification. By 1992, the program achieved significant waste reductions and cost savings, fostering a corporate culture of pollution prevention through recognition and knowledge sharing.