A BALLINGRY business is among the '43 best green businesses' in Scotland chosen as finalists for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

Peel Tech join other Fife businesses, McCormack Innovation, nextGenergy and eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd, having made the cut for their contribution to Scotland’s sustainability. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on November 14 at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.

Now in their 19th year, the awards urge Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability.

The finalists have been selected across nine individual award categories which aim to recognise the different ways organisations are implementing environmental best practice in their daily activity.

Peel Tech, run by Ivan Wood and Sons, at their operation at Navity Farm, has become a popular machine fighting pollution.

Peel Tech is a revolutionary innovative filtration system which helps food processors comply with the UK Waste Regulations regarding drainage pollution from the chip shop industry.

The Peel Tech system has already been recognised as an award winning innovation picking up prizes locally and nationally including at the prestigious VIBES Awards in 2014.

The Peel Tech system works by taking the waste from the potato peeler, separating the waste skin and compacting the potato starch to allow the operator to easily remove the waste for recycle use.

The standard size Peel Tech only needs emptied after 4 x 25kg bags of potatoes have been peeled.

Peel Tech has been nominated in the Environmental or Product category; and also the Microbusiness section.

Commenting, Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a great chance to recognise business leadership in sustainable environmental investment. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy.

"New approaches for delivering environmental improvements provide businesses with opportunities to enhance their sustainability and economic performance.

“The Awards celebrate businesses which are already stepping up to this challenge and are leading by example. The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward these companies for going beyond “business as usual” and driving sustainable growth through innovation. 2It is very encouraging to see so many of Scotland’s businesses leading the way and making a difference which will not only support the environment but also protect their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s finalists and wish them luck for November’s ceremony.”

In June Peel Tech were announced as winner of the Innovation category at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2018.