Birla Carbon, one of the leading global manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions, has been honoured as the Judges’ Choice Winner in the Environmental Impact Project category at the 2025 Environment+Energy Leader (E+E Leader) Awards. This recognition highlights the company’s innovative emission control project at its North Bend plant in Louisiana, USA, advancing sustainability in industrial manufacturing.

Speaking about the achievement, Dale Clark, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Americas & EMEA, Birla Carbon, said, "This project sets a new benchmark for innovation in emission reduction and represents a significant step toward sustainable manufacturing. At Birla Carbon, we believe the future of industrial sustainability lies in engaging responsibly with the environment. Our purpose, to ‘Share the Strength,’ ensures that our innovations contribute to both industry and global progress and reinforces our commitment to Research, Reduce, Replace, and Repurpose our materials towards sustainable progress."

Birla Carbon implemented an innovative emission control project designed to effectively reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions while enhancing environmental efficiency. Traditional flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies typically involve processes that require additional resources and by-products requiring additional handling. Birla Carbon’s forward-thinking approach leverages the natural alkalinity of seawater from the adjacent Gulf Intercoastal Waterway to neutralize sulphur compounds, converting them into naturally occurring salts that are safely returned to the ocean. This solution eliminates the need for additional chemicals and minimizes waste.

Randy Waskul, Global Director, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Birla Carbon, added, "The emission control project in North Bend has resulted in several environmental benefits, including improved air quality, reduced smog, lower acid rain formation, and a decline in nutrient pollution. Achieving a 95% reduction in SO₂ emissions annually is a major milestone for Birla Carbon in responsible manufacturing. This project exemplifies how industrial processes can work in harmony with natural ecosystems while advancing sustainability goals."

The Judges’ Choice distinction is awarded to the top-scoring entry in each category, recognizing outstanding innovation and impact in environmental and energy management.