PRAGUE, 2 March 2010 – The winners of the first international awards for Chemical Leasing, an innovative service-based business model for promoting green industry in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, were announced in Prague on Monday.

The winners, chosen from a total of 27 contenders from 10 countries, include Ecopetrol SA from Colombia for its oil and water treatment processes, and the National Cleaner Production Centre of Colombia for its specialized consulting services. A special award for outstanding efforts in implementing Chemical Leasing in the supply chain was awarded to IKEA India.

The awards, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, took place during the International Conference on Chemical Control Legislation and Trade Aspects (ChemCon Europe 2010). Some 200 participants took part in the ceremony.

“The results of UNIDO’s work in the field of Chemical Leasing and the numerous applications received for the awards show its applicability to small and medium enterprises and large enterprises from different sectors,” said Petra Schwager,  UNIDO Industrial Development Officer.

“Chemical Leasing has proven to bring economic and environmental improvements to participating companies as it allows them to be more competitive. The awards will further enhance the global visibility of Chemical Leasing, and by acknowledging contributions to its business model, will encourage more innovative applications of the concept.”

The awards recognize the successful implementation of Chemical Leasing at company level and were awarded in four categories: case studies, consulting services, scientific publications, and public relations.

Chemical Leasing forms an integral part of UNIDO’s Global Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production strategy, and is an important element for promoting sound chemicals management services to industry.

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