Chemistry Australia awards go to BASF, Pact Group

Chemistry Australia has announced the winners of the 2024 Industry Awards, with awards going to leaders of the Australian chemistry industry gathered in Melbourne.

The achievements of finalists and winners were celebrated across six award categories.

Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read said the Industry Awards continue to be an important opportunity to highlight the valuable and strategic contribution the $38 billion chemistry industry makes to the Australian economy.

Read said: “It’s fantastic to have an annual event that connects our members with industry stakeholders and showcases all of the exciting work members are doing to provide solutions for a better, more sustainable future.

“This year, we were delighted to introduce a new award to recognise the progress our members are making in fostering more diverse and inclusive workplaces, alongside their existing efforts to support our industry’s future leaders.

“Chemistry Australia is very proud of their achievements, and all of our members who are committed to advancing the health and safety of workers, Australia’s transition to net zero, and the introduction of circular economies.”

2024 Chemistry Australia Industry Awards went to:

• BASF Australia, which won in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category, has implemented strategies and targets to drive cultural transformation, enhance diversity in leadership and employment, and improve employee belonging and wellbeing.
• Pacific Urethanes, awarded for Net Zero Transition has significantly reduced carbon emissions through a range of initiatives, most notably, the transition to new non-hydrofluorocarbon formulations for 163 products. Pacific Urethanes has already reduced Scope 1 emissions by more than 55 per cent and product changes put them on track to a 100 per cent reduction by the end of Financial Year 2025.
• Pact Group, recognised in the Circular Economy field, has formed a joint venture with Cleanaway to build and operate the Circular Plastics Australia (CPA) mixed plastics recycling facility in Laverton in Melbourne. At full capacity, this facility is able to recycle up to 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, or the equivalent of around half a billion two litre plastic milk bottles.
• Incitec Pivot, celebrated for Health, Safety and Environment, has successfully decommissioned a major hazard facility, all while maintaining safe operations and managing the additional complication of expanding production of AdBlue. The Finish with Pride Shutdown Program provided the organisation with valuable insights which continue to offer important lessons in safety.
• Tamsyn Parker of BOC, recognised as a Young Leader, is an impressive young team leader who has achieved outstanding results, thanks to her solid commitment to maintaining a safe and well-managed work environment, all while delivering operational excellence for her organisation.
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame was Peter Bury, Director Circular Economy and Future Industries, Chemistry Australia. A 23-year veteran of Chemistry Australia, Bury has made a significant contribution to the long-term competitiveness, reputation and sustainability of the Australian chemistry industry throughout his 40-year career.

Picture: Chemistry Australia 2024 Industry Awards winners