A SPECIALIST chemical company based in Cross Hills has honoured its team after its latest environmental scheme won gold at a London awards ceremony.

Staff at Airedale Chemical have embraced their firm's initiative to implement a scheme to reduce its landfill to zero.

Workers from all departments are involved with the project, salvaging items which would otherwise be discarded, monitoring waste thrown into office bins and finding recyclable opportunities for everyday objects.

Karen Waddington, health and safety advisor for Airedale Chemical, explained: “We've already been rewarded for reducing our waste destined for landfill to zero, but with the whole team on board we've now gone a step further and found other, more creative ways for our waste products to be used.

“As part of our partnership with social enterprise SCRAP, which helps the environment by re-using waste materials for community educational art and play, we're re-using every additional piece of waste we can – even reclaiming and cleaning out discarded yoghurt pots in preparation for the next chapter of their usable life."

The Airedale Chemical team was represented at the awards ceremony by cleaner Gillian McNulty who has made an outstanding contribution to the success of the recycling scheme.

She joined Karen and group head of marketing Daniel Marr at the event at Glazier’s Hall, London.

Gillian said: “I felt so proud and excited representing the team, but even more delighted that our recycling efforts are making such a difference – and being recognised.

"Every yoghurt pot, every container and every empty bottle we collected was worth every bit of effort. I’m proud of everyone for getting behind this fantastic initiative and making such a difference.”

Airedale Chemical received the highest-level five-star gold award in the Investors in Zero Waste awards.

The awards are organised by Environment Media to recognise innovation and commitment of businesses, public authorities and third sector organisations which strive to eliminate waste.