Following the implementation of a sustainable cleaning solution, Jamie Akister, Scott Bader UK’s Plant Support Manager, has been nominated for the Young Talent in the Chemical Industry award by the Chemicals Northwest Awards 2023. The awards are organised by Chemicals Northwest, the largest chemical cluster organisation in the UK and part of the Chemical Industries Association, who represent and advise chemical and pharmaceutical companies across the UK.

Jamie has been nominated for his innovative, environmentally friendly solution for cleaning Scott Bader UK’s mixers, which are used every day to manufacture their leading range of structural adhesives and composite materials. After months of research and testing, his hard work resulted in a water-based solution containing a proprietary blend of surfactants, supplied by Safe Solvents, that provides a faster and more thorough clean than previous materials.

This has cut the use of acetone by 50% in Scott Bader’s paste plant. Also, the new cleaning solution can be reused up to 20 times, reducing water usage. The solution can then be treated by Scott Bader UK’s onsite water treatment plant to recycle over 90% of the water.

“I’m pleased that my project has been recognized externally,” said Jamie. “This has been a team effort and I would like to thank Johanna Nichols and Gareth Mead for their support throughout, we have worked hard to implement a solvent free and environmentally friendly cleaning solution in the paste plant and hope to transfer this across the site and group where applicable.”

Scott Bader is keen to roll out the environmentally friendly cleaning solution across its manufacturing sites globally. Initially, the solution will be fully adopted by the UK site with the aim of completely removing acetone usage from the cleaning of all mixers in the paste plant by the end of Q1.

The Northwest Chemical Awards have also nominated Jamie for the Sustainability Award 2023 and the Health and Safety Award 2023. The awards ceremony is taking place on 23^rd March 2023 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

Jamie began his career at Scott Bader during 2019, joining as a graduate after finishing his master’s degree in Chemistry. He initially working in the R&D department for two years before transferring over to the Operations team in a technical support capacity, which encompassed many facets including chemistry, plant operational safety and also sustainability – something he has always been thoroughly interested in.

Learn more about Scott Bader’s sustainability plans here: https://www.scottbader.com/ecology/sustainability/