The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) HAS recognised outstanding achievements in sustainability and responsible care excellence during a special awards ceremony held alongside the 6th GPCA Responsible Care Conference on October 14, 2025 at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama.

The evening marked a dual celebration of industry and youth innovation through the 2nd GPCA Carbon Neutrality Cup and 4th GPCA Responsible Care Excellence Awards.

These prestigious programs showcased impactful initiatives from leading chemical companies and university teams across the region, spotlighting advancements in energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, process safety, and community engagement.

This year’s Carbon Neutrality Cup attracted 70 applications from 20 universities, with eight finalist teams presenting their projects before a jury of industry experts and top regional leaders.

The competition recognised outstanding student-led innovations addressing the chemical industry’s transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

The winners are:

• Postgraduate Category – 1st Place: Dr Shabib Al Rashdi, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) – Circular Economy Pathways for Green Hydrogen
• Postgraduate Category – 2nd Place: Maimuna Zarewa Umar and Maria Abdul Karim, KFUPM – PetroSensor
• Undergraduate Category – 1st Place: Dima and Dina Alotaibi, Kuwait University – CODA: Carbon-Negative Soda Ash
• Undergraduate Category – 2nd Place: Tesnim Bouhanna and Nourah Al Shaibani, Australian University in Kuwait – Decarbonising Kuwait’s Refineries

Recognising the highest standards of performance in health, safety, security, and environmental stewardship, the 4th edition of the Responsible Care Excellence Awards received 80 submissions from across the GCC.

The winners demonstrated exceptional commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, contributing to a safer and more sustainable industry.

The award winners are:

• Performance Metrics (Operational Excellence): Winner – QAFCO | Runner-up – OQ
• Community Awareness: Winner – Sadara | Runner-up – S-Chem
• Sustainable Environmental Protection: Winner – Fertil | Runner-up – Sadara
• Process Safety: Winner – QAPCO | Runner-up – SIPCHEM
• Rising Star Award: Joint Winners – Emad Al Zahrani (S-Chem), Ebrahim Al Hadiyah (PIC) | Runner-up – Maryam Al Khater (QAPCO)
• Best Contractor Award: Winner – Expertise | Runner-up – Alfred Talke 

Commenting on the Awards, Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “GPCA’s Awards reflect the region’s growing commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation. From industry leaders to emerging talent, the level of engagement and quality of submissions this year was truly inspiring. I extend my sincere congratulations to all winners, finalists, and participants for their dedication and contributions to shaping a safer, more sustainable future.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service