Scotland’s International Awards, held in the world-class Emirates Arena, home of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, recognise the global ambitions and successes of Scotland’s leading internationally-focussed companies, showcasing Scotland as an outward looking, ambitious and enterprising nation.

The Accenture Award for Outstanding International Achievement in Green Energy was presented to the Scottish Leather Group by former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, in recognition of the company’s achievements, specifically showcasing Scottish expertise in sustainable development.

Since 2003 the Scottish Leather Group has operated a zero waste strategy, which includes recent major investments in water treatment technology and a thermal energy plant – the latter positioning the group as a world leader in sustainability. The company’s zero waste initiatives have considerably reduced the firm’s impact on the environment and addressed some of the major threats to the manufacturing industry’s future.

Environmental Director, Dr. Warren Bowden said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the award for ‘Outstanding International Achievement in Green Energy’. Scottish Leather Group is going from strength to strength and expanding business both here in Scotland and internationally. This continuing success can be attributed, at least in part, to our commitment to the environment, the Thermal Energy Plant and the resulting unique low carbon leather product we supply to customers all over the world, including Aston Martin, British Airways, Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan Motor Company, Virgin Atlantic, Volvo and many others.  

“Our customers are becoming increasingly conscious of their emissions footprint and the many benefits of reducing this. In supplying low carbon leather we are able to support these efforts and in turn become supplier of choice in a range of sectors around the world. We add this award from SCDI to other accolades received for innovative manufacturing and energy efficiency. We aim to continue being recognised as a company at the forefront of environmental leadership.”

Former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright delivered the keynote speech to more than 700 senior guests, just three days after the US elections. Dr Albright shared her vision on current global issues.