ICIS launches chemical industry Innovation Awards for 2014

LONDON (ICIS)–ICIS today launches its 11th annual ICIS Innovation Awards, designed to recognise outstanding technological and business innovation in the chemical industry.

Last year, the overall winner was Cabot Corporation, for its development of aerogel insulation for use in construction and glazing. Details of all 2013 category winners can be seen here.

This year, the Awards offer the chance to enter innovative process developments in the new Best Process Innovation category. The move creates a more specific category for this important aspect of chemical innovation, says Awards manager John Baker of ICIS. “We hope to expand the number of entries by doing so.” 

ICIS is pleased to confirm international management consultancy Roland Berger Strategy Consultants as overall sponsor of the Awards. Roland Berger will also continue as sponsor of the Best Product Innovation category this year.

Neil Checker, a partner at Roland Berger and also a member of the Awards judging panel, comments that: “We are honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to continue in the role of overall sponsor of this prestigious award programme, following on from our support in previous years as Best Product Innovation sponsor.

 “Together with our fellow sponsors we look forward with excitement to reviewing the submissions this year and honouring the winners.”

Distribution company U.S. Chemicals continues as a category sponsor, this year of the newly merged Innovation with Best Benefit for Environment and Sustainability category.

The awards enable companies to celebrate their success in the vital activity of innovation and the increasingly important areas of sustainability and environmental performance. 

There are five categories to enter:

• Best Product Innovation
• Best Process Innovation
• Best Innovation by a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)
• Best Business Innovation
• Innovation with Best Benefit for Environment and Sustainability

Baker adds that: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Awards. They continue to grow and gain industry support. We once again look forward to highlighting the very best of innovation in the chemical industry.

“There is tremendous effort and investment going into innovation in the chemical sector today, as companies seek answers to many of society’s global problems and seek to ensure their long-term sustainability.”

The Awards are open to entry from today, with a deadline for entries of 1 July 2014. The winners will be announced on 22 October 2014.

For more information or to enter the awards, click here or call John Baker on +44 20 8652 3153.