TWO Teesside firms have toasted success at the UK’s Chemical Industry Awards.

Huntsman Pigments at Billingham and Sabic Petrochemicals at Wilton have both taken titles at the honours hosted by the Chemical Industries Association.

At the event in Birmingham SABIC UK Petrochemicals took the prestigious CIA Company of the Year Award.

Judges were impressed by the firm’s continued commitment to its apprenticeship programme, as well as its extensive work in promoting the industry as a challenging and worthwhile career choice.

The site has also seen the first full year of operation of its £250m Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plant with its planned capacity expected to be achieved soon.

Huntsman Pigments picked up the Low Carbon Award which recognises a company which can best demonstrate enhanced carbon management through initiatives such as improved resource efficiency, the use of alternative energy sources and solutions designed to achieve energy saving across their supply chain.

The Billingham site specialises in the manufacture and marketing of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments that add brightness, whiteness and opacity to thousands of consumer products.

Steve Elliott, Chemical Industries Association chief executive, said: “I am delighted Huntsman have been recognised for the enormous strides forward they have made in energy efficiency and the carbon footprint of their products, they are an example of how the UK can lead the way in the transition to a low carbon economy.

“SABIC is a very worthy recipient of the company of year award, they continue to deliver in all aspects of their business but also show a long term commitment to the local community as an employer and through its education programmes and liaison work.”