CCU International won the Innovation Award and the overall award for Best Small Business at the UK final of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards on 9 May.
It is the fourth time in five years that a Scottish company has claimed the UK title.
The Edinburgh-based startup uses advanced technology to capture carbon dioxide directly from industrial chimneys and exhaust pipes and converts it into useful products and everyday items. Captured CO2 can be converted in many ways, including jet fuel, building materials, and even ingredients for shampoo and toothpaste.
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Beena Sharma, co-founder and CEO of CCU International, said the company has been able to create something in 15 months that others have not been able to do in 15 years.
She said: “When our technical director, Professor Peter Styring, first developed this technology 15 years ago, we were told time and time again ‘this is not going to work’.
“In the 15 months since we spun off the company to apply the technology commercially, we have won contracts with Unilever, Procter and Gamble and all the big blue-chip companies.
“We have managed to do in 15 months what our competitors have not been able to do in 15 years.
“These awards are a great achievement for the team and give us the platform to move to the next level. “Our ambitions are now global and we have plans for significant growth.”
Two other Scottish companies were also named best in class at the UK awards.
Beyond Green sustainability advisors won the Diversity and Inclusion Award as they help clients make informed decisions about the environmental impacts of their businesses.
Boogie Beat Music and Movement Edinburgh was Franchise Business of the Year for its fun and inclusive workshops working with schools, nurseries and care homes.
FSB national chair Martin McTague praised this year’s Scottish winners and said CCU International is a shining example of innovation in the sustainability industry.
He said: “Once again, Scottish businesses have triumphed in the final of our UK awards.
“Many congratulations to the three Scottish winners and further congratulations to CCU International on taking out the overall title of Small Business of the Year – the fourth Scottish business to win that crown in five years.
“CCU International is a shining example of how small businesses are harnessing and driving innovation, technology and sustainability to energize the world. economy and inspire the next generation.
“Small businesses are at the heart of Scotland’s economy and communities, and this year’s awards have shone a light on the talent, resilience and ingenuity of entrepreneurs across the country.”