Agropolychim wins the “Green Innovation” award at the Forbes Innovation Awards 2025
At the Forbes Innovation Awards 2025, held on 13 November, Agropolychim was recognised as the winner in the “Green Innovation” category. The award distinguishes our technology for the triple utilisation of residual process heat, implemented in our production in 2023. This solution enables the thermal energy generated during nitric acid production to be reused in two subsequent stages – in the production of ammonium nitrate and for ammonia preheating – effectively closing the energy cycle. The project was developed entirely in-house and currently has no known equivalent in the sector.
The system delivers measurable results. Between 2023 and 2025, it helped avoid approximately 13,500 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of over 3,000 cars. In addition, natural gas consumption at our site has been reduced by more than 97% compared to 2015. Combined with our broader portfolio of low-carbon initiatives, this contributes to a nearly 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2004 and 2024.
The project is based on an engineering concept developed by Eng. Petar Kosev, which was further refined and successfully implemented through the joint efforts of our Production, Investments and operational teams. Their collaboration made it possible to integrate a solution that optimises production and significantly reduces our energy footprint.
The award was accepted by Maya Stefanova, Director of Ecology and Climate Change, who stated during the ceremony:
“Compared to the 50-year history of Agropolychim, the word ‘innovation’ is relatively new and has only recently become widely used in the Bulgarian language. Yet if we had to choose a single word to describe Agropolychim, it would be this one. How can a half-century-old company remain innovative? Here is our formula for success – to constantly question the status quo, to embrace every opportunity for growth and development, to remain flexible and adaptive to an increasingly dynamic environment. And with 50 years of experience behind us, we have the confidence to open new paths and set standards for others to follow. This award acknowledges our innovative spirit and confirms that we have chosen the right word to define who we are.”
Photo credit: High Noir for Forbes Bulgaria
For us, this recognition reaffirms the effectiveness of our approach to energy optimisation and the consistent efforts of our teams across Agropolychim. Innovation is not an end in itself, but a natural extension of our commitment to sustainable, competitive and technologically advanced production.