Australia’s manufacturing and industrial chemicals sector has been recognised for achievements in sustainability, innovation and leadership, with Chemistry Australia announcing the winners of its 2026 Industry Awards.
The awards were presented at Chemistry Australia’s annual Industry Awards event held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Thursday, 25 June, recognising contributions across the chemicals and plastics industry in areas including net zero transition, circular economy, health, safety and environment, emerging leadership, and lifetime service to the sector.
According to Chemistry Australia, the awards recognise the work of member companies in developing products and initiatives that support industries across the Australian economy.
Chemistry Australia chief executive Matthew Flügge said the awards highlight the industry’s contribution to manufacturing and other sectors through investment and innovation.
“Every day, our members demonstrate exceptional talent, innovation, and problem-solving capability,” Flügge said.
“Through their business investment in capital and expertise, our members are addressing real-world challenges and delivering measurable improvements to their operations and supply chains, driving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability gains for virtually every sector in Australia.”
He said the awards also acknowledged the value generated by the chemicals and plastics industry for the broader economy.
“We congratulate all 2026 Industry Award winners. Your achievements reflect the strength of the chemicals and plastics industry and the significant value you create – not just within your organisations, but across the industry and broader economy,” Flügge said.
BOC received the Net Zero Transition Award for its renewable electricity procurement initiatives on Australia’s east and west coasts, which Chemistry Australia said had reduced the company’s Scope 2 emissions while supporting lower-carbon industrial gas supply to customers in sectors including manufacturing, mining, healthcare, food and beverage, and energy production.
The Circular Economy Award was presented to Paintback Australia for incorporating recycled paint into community sports courts through its partnership with APT. Chemistry Australia said the initiative demonstrated how recycled materials could be used in infrastructure projects while maintaining performance and safety standards.
Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF) won the Health, Safety and Environment Award for its “Your Reason to Stay Safe” campaign. According to Chemistry Australia, the program strengthened workforce engagement in safety, contributing to a 53 per cent reduction in injury rates during the campaign period.
Grant Powles, National Account Manager at Dow Australia and New Zealand, was named Young Leader in recognition of his contributions to operational efficiency, governance and customer relationships, while Russell Schroeter, director and chairman of SNF Australia, was inducted into the Chemistry Australia Hall of Fame.
Chemistry Australia said Schroeter had made a long-term contribution to Australia’s chemical manufacturing capability through his leadership at SNF Australia and his service to the association over nearly two decades, including work on regulatory and finance committees.
