The best and brightest of the Australian chemistry industry have been recognised at the second annual Chemistry Australia Industry Awards, held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne on Wednesday 1 May.

Chemistry Australia members, suppliers and partners of the industry turned up in force to celebrate the Awards, which acknowledged the achievements of finalists and winners 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.

“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,” said Ms Read.

“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.

“We congratulate all our finalists and winners recognised in the 2024 Industry Awards.

“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.”

Chemistry Australia thanks its Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors for their support for the 2024 Awards, and Bronze Sponsors HR Legal, Marsh, MircroRisk Group, Process Consultants, and The Tartan Group.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – sponsored by Jobsbank
Finalists
• BASF Australia
• Dulux Group
• SNF Australia

Winner: BASF Australia
BASF Australia has implemented strategies and targets to drive cultural transformation, enhance diversity in leadership and employment, and improve employee belonging and wellbeing.
The Diversity and Inclusion Council, particularly the Women In BASF Working Group, has played a significant role in promoting inclusive leadership and has had a positive impact on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by:
setting ambitious gender targets,
implementing policies to address disparities in the workforce, and
partnering with organisations like Champions of Change Coalition to advocate for women's success in the workplace.

Net Zero Transition – sponsored by Coogee
Finalists
• Coregas
• Orica Limited
• Pacific Urethanes

Winner: Pacific Urethanes
Pacific Urethanes 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 the product changes put them on track to a 100 per cent reduction by the end of Financial Year 2025. It has also significantly reduced scope 2 and 3 emissions.
Pacific Urethanes has demonstrated through its efforts what can be achieved by SMEs who are focussed on emissions reduction, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Circular Economy – sponsored by Dow Australia & New Zealand
Finalists
• Incitec Pivot
• Pact Group
• Schutz Australia

Winner: Pact Group
Pact Group 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 2 litre plastic milk bottles.
The facility recycles kerbside sourced materials to manufacture milk bottles, and forms part of an impressive national business model that actively engages consumers in the circular economy.

Health, Safety and Environment – sponsored by Holmwood Highgate
Finalists
• Air Liquide Australia
• Incitec Pivot
• Pacific Urethanes

Winner: Incitec Pivot
Incitec Pivot has successfully decommissioned a major hazard facility, all while maintaining safe operations and managing the additional complication of expanding production of AdBlue.
During the closure, Incitec Pivot recorded zero recordable injuries all while facing challenging external pressures. The Finish with Pride Shutdown Program provided the organisation with valuable insights which continue to offer important lessons in safety.

Young Leader – sponsored by Incitec Pivot
Finalists
• Emrehan Goker, Indorama Ventures Oxides Australia Pty Ltd
• Tamsyn Parker, BOC
• Nicholas Pattrick, Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF)

 Winner: Tamsyn Parker, BOC
Tamsyn Parker of BOC 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.
Tamsyn’s leadership is characterised by a consistent commitment to driving operational excellence, ensuring safety and implementing change that delivers substantial improvements in production, efficiency and revenue growth, which combine to make our Young Leader Award winner a dynamic and influential leader in her field.

Hall of Fame - sponsored by Blackwoods
Peter Bury, Director Circular Economy and Future Industries, Chemistry Australia
A 23-year veteran of Chemistry Australia, Peter Bury has made a significant contribution to the long-term competitiveness, reputation and sustainability of the Australian chemistry industry throughout his 40-year career. Peter’s integrity and commitment to building strategic and collaborative relationships have contributed to his reputation as a highly respected and leading expert in the field of chemistry.
Most notably, Peter’s expertise in plastics is considered an extremely valuable asset for the industry as it navigates the complex challenges of circular economies, negotiations for an international plastics treaty, and supportive domestic policy.
Peter is also a dedicated volunteer in his local community, serving as a Senior Officer and Firefighter within the Victorian Country Fire Authority.