A CROSS Hills chemical manufacturer and distributor has overcome competition from 500 rivals to gain international recognition for its green credentials.

Airedale Chemical has been recognised for its environmental work and commitment to sending zero waste to landfill sites by The Green Organisation, an international independent environment group that aims to recognise best 'green' practice around the world.

The company has won an award in the environmental best practice category of The Green Apple Awards and will receive the prize at the House of Commons in November.

It has also been invited to have its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can learn from Airedale’s achievement.

Airedale is also in the running to represent the UK in the Green World Awards, and the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The company’s Zero to Landfill scheme was set up by Airedale Chemical’s health and safety advisor, Karen Waddington, who said: “It is so rewarding to be recognised for the efforts we made to positively affect our impact on the environment.

“It all started during a routine health and safety analysis of the site, where we identified areas within our recycling procedures that could be improved. Since then, it has snowballed into a company-wide initiative, a brand new waste management policy and now this amazing accolade.”

Nearly £4,000 has been invested into a new machine enabling waste to be crushed into bales that are easily collectable and transported by its Bradford-based recycling partner, BW Recycling Ltd. A recycling station has also been set up on the premises.

About two tonnes of waste are recycled every month, and Airedale receives a 40 per cent increase in rebate for each tonne of recycled waste.

Karen added: “This initiative has not only involved new waste management practices, but we have also changed the way we think about our waste as an organisation.

"Every member of staff has bought into this scheme, which is one of the main reasons it has been so successful.”

Airedale Chemical sales director, Chris Chadwick, added: “As a chemical manufacturer, we strive to develop our waste reduction processes and minimise our carbon footprint.

“Other ‘think green’ initiatives implemented in the past year include recycling all our on-site waste water for use in chemical production, and fleet vehicles that convert nitrogen dioxide into nitrogen and steam to reduce pollution.