The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) recently recognized D&L Industries’ wholly owned subsidiary Chemrez Technologies, Inc. at the inaugural Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards.

Chemrez received awards as the Most Diversified and Innovative Firm in the Philippine coconut industry as well as the Most Socially Responsible Enterprise, said D&L in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The PCA organized its inaugural COINS Award this year to celebrate outstanding contributions to the country’s coconut sector.

Presented during National Coconut Week, the COINS Awards underscore PCA’s commitment to advancing the competitiveness of the coconut industry, promoting sustainable practices, and honoring partners whose initiatives uplift farmers and strengthen the entire value chain.

As the industry’s most diversified and innovative company, Chemrez has been driving the advancement of the Philippine coconut sector for over four decades.

The company pioneered the development of higher-value applications of coconut oil, going beyond traditional uses to open new applications and growth opportunities.

From biofuels to coco-derived functional ingredients in personal care, health, and wellness, Chemrez has been instrumental in broadening the global reach and relevance of coconut oil, reinforcing its leadership in innovation, sustainability, and value creation.

In 2006, Chemrez built Asia’s first continuous Coco Methyl Ester (CME) or biodiesel plant in the country, essentially building the backbone of the Philippine biodiesel industry. To date, Chemrez supplies about 40 percent of the total biodiesel requirement of the country.=

On the global stage, Chemrez is recognized as a trusted supplier of sustainable and natural ingredients derived purely from coconut oil. These ingredients are widely used in personal care, home care, and wellness products.

Its roster of customers include leading multinational companies that manufacture some of the world’s most recognized household brands.

Chemrez works with the Lao Foundation, Inc. for its corporate social responsibility (CSR)initiatives with the mission of uplifting and enriching the lives of the communities where it operates.

Its programs focus on three pillars—education, values formation, and livelihood training—designed to empower individuals and strengthen farming communities.

Through partnerships with institutions such as Don Bosco and Dualtech, the Foundation has provided scholarships for children of coconut farmers, combining financial assistance with hands-on plant training and employment opportunities at Chemrez.

These efforts enable graduates to build sustainable careers while contributing to inclusive industry growth.

The Foundation also delivers livelihood training to communities near Chemrez facilities, equipping residents with practical skills that open new economic opportunities and foster long-term development.

At the industry level, Chemrez’s initiatives are rooted in empowering coconut farmers and their cooperatives. The company links copra-based cooperatives directly with private sector markets.

In addition, Chemrez works with the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and the PCA to develop strategic planning and social enterprise management skills of coconut farmers.

Together, these initiatives underscore Chemrez’s commitment to inclusive growth, stronger communities, and shared value creation across the coconut industry.

“The PCA and the coconut industry provide many opportunities to share the advocacy of the Lao Foundation. This includes education, values formation and livelihood building.

The award is recognition of the work and partnerships made by LFI to date. There is much more to do, and we see many opportunities to collaborate with the PCA, the LGUs, and the communities where our facilities operate,” Chemrez President & CEO Dean Lao, Jr. said.