TAGS: Sustainability / Natural Adhesives
Chemical Week 2021 Sustainability Awards have announced their winners. The award honor chemical producers’ excellence in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, sustainable product development, and environmental programs. The winners include Solvay, BASF, Origin Materials, SABIC, and Air Products.
Related Read: Circular Economy in Adhesives & Sealants Industry: What it Means Today?
Recipients Recognized at CW’s Sustainability Forum
The winners were announced on 18 November at Chemical Week’s Financial Outlook & Sustainability Forum, a virtual event covering the financial, operating, and strategic challenges the industry will face in the year ahead, with a focus on ESG issues.
An expert judging panel—comprising 12 judges from companies across the chemical industry value chain, including Chemical Week editors and IHS Markit experts—selected the winners from 65 submissions by nearly 40 companies.
This year, environmental concerns have risen to center stage at COP26, thus becoming a key factor to consider in businesses’ operations and future plans.
“
We have been very impressed by how these companies have risen to the challenge of balancing the competing demands of profitability and sustainability by submitting excellent examples of how they are incorporating sustainability in their operations, product development, and strategic planning, further underscoring the importance of the topic for the industry’s future,” said Rob Westervelt, editor-in-chief of Chemical Week by IHS Markit.
Winners for Each Category
Best ESG Reporting Program – recognizing chemical makers who publish an ESG report with a forward-looking ESG/sustainability strategy.
Winner:
Solvay for its fifth Integrated Report, which reflects their progress on an integrated management journey toward a stronger connection between their businesses, sustainability, and finance.
Judges’ comments: “
Unique, forward-looking approach with clear and compelling societal examples.” – Monika MacDevette, deputy director, ecosystems division, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Best Sustainable Product – recognizing a chemical company’s product (or range of products) whose design and innovation serves a sustainable or environmental purpose.
Winner: BASF for versatile Glucopon® Alkylpolyglucoside (APG) surfactants made from 100% natural, renewable, plant-derived feedstock but also sulfate-free, readily biodegradable, and with an excellent eco-toxicological profile.
Judges’ comments: “
Good substitute product with clear benefits.” – Lyn Tattum, vice president and Chemical Week publisher, IHS Markit.
Best Sustainable Product from Emerging Company – recognizing an emerging chemical company with a product (or range of products) whose design and innovation serve a sustainable or environmental purpose.
Winner: Origin Materials for developing a platform for turning the carbon found in non-food biomass into valuable materials while capturing carbon in the process.
Judges’ comments: “
Product seems to have great potential, very well-marketed promise.” – Just Jansz, founder and managing director, Expertise Beyond Borders.
Best Recycling/Sustainability Initiative – recognizing an organization that has demonstrated the growth of its business and a sustained contribution to the special chemicals industry.
Winner: SABIC for bringing strategic partners from across the value chain (Tesco, Sealed Air, Plastic Energy, Bradbury’s Cheese) together to launch a first-of-its-kind closed-loop UK pilot.
Judges’ comments: “
This multi-stakeholder partnership should be a blueprint for other organizations seeking to change the global recycling system.” – Valerie Vincent, global ESG and foundation manager, The Kraft Heinz Company.
Best Sustainable Feedstock Initiative – recognizes the chemical company that has done the most to bring forward renewable feedstock supply by transforming biomass, renewable carbon, and waste resources into feedstocks for conversion to biofuels or bio-based chemicals/products.
Winner: BASF for procuring 100% of their palm and palm kernel oil requirements from Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil–certified sources traceable down to the oil mill level, reaching nearly 95% of the company’s global palm oil demand.
Judges’ comments: “
A thorough program to drive sustainably-sourced palm oil.” – Vincent Valk, senior editor, Chemical Week, IHS Markit.
Best Carbon Management Initiative – recognizing a chemical company initiative that sets new standards in lowering the carbon footprint impact of a company’s business activities.
Winner: Air Products for its plans to build a landmark net-zero hydrogen energy complex in Alberta, Canada, which will be achieved through advanced hydrogen reforming technology, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen-fueled electricity generation.
Judges’ comments: “
Very innovative and forward looking. Commitment from national government as well as significant investment commitment to innovation.” – Monika MacDevette, deputy director, ecosystems division, UNEP.
Source: Chemical Week