A CROSS Hills chemical firm has received an international award.

Airedale Chemical was presented with the silver accolade for environmental best practice at the Green Apple Awards.

The ceremony was held at the House of Commons.

The awards are organised by the Green Organisation, which recognises businesses that make a positive impact on the environment.

Airedale Chemical reformed its waste management practices and introduced an initiative to send zero waste to landfill.

The firm's health and safety advisor, Karen Waddington, who set-up the zero landfill scheme, said: "What started as a routine health and safety analysis of the site led to steps to improve our recycling procedures.

"From there it grew into a company-wide initiative and a brand new waste management policy.

"To now be collecting an award at the House of Commons from an international environment group is overwhelming."

Chris Chadwick, sales director at Airedale Chemical, paid tribute to those behind the initiative.

"Karen and the whole team have worked hard to make real and significant changes at our site so it's fantastic to see that recognised by such a renowned organisation.

"Also, as a chemical manufacturer, it is important to us to demonstrate to our communities that we genuinely care about our environment and are taking strides to minimise our carbon footprint."

Around two tonnes of waste are recycled each month by the firm.

It is also recycling on-site waste water for use in chemical production and its fleet vehicles convert nitrogen dioxide into nitrogen and steam to reduce pollution.

Details of the award-winning scheme will be published in The Green Book, a leading international reference work on environmental best practice.

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