AkzoNobel has won this year's European Responsible Care award, just weeks after being ranked top of the Chemicals supersector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Awarded by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the latest honor recognizes the introduction of new technology which is helping to revolutionize the leather and protein industries.

Working with Spanish partner Grit, AkzoNobel's Industrial Chemicals business developed DeMythe LDD technology based on dimethylether (DME). When used to remove water and grease from animal skins - which are important for the manufacture of leather goods and various foods - it makes the process far more sustainable and less harmful to health than more conventional methods.

It's the second honor to be bestowed on the company's DeMytheLDD technology, following the 2012 Responsible Care award presented earlier this year by the Association of the Dutch Chemicals Industry (VNCI).