The search reopens for the SDC’s 2026 Global Colourist: Could it be you?

Long-time education provider Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) is delighted to announce that applications have now reopened for its Global Colourist Award.

The award recognises the professional achievements of those working across the wider coloration sector. Entries are open to colourists worldwide across the full gamut of specialisms including – but not limited to – textiles, dyes and pigments, leather, food, paint, coatings, cosmetics and plastics. Production dyers, shift dyers, printing colourists and those working in research, development, testing, colour management and quality control are all eligible.

A £1000 prize is on offer for the chosen recipient, with Advanced Chemical Holdings Ltd kindly sponsoring the competition.

The winner will also be invited to the SDC’s all-expenses paid Day of Celebration and awards ceremony in the UK, where they will be presented with a certificate and their prize money.

Applications are welcomed up until the deadline of 30 June 2026, and supervisors, managers or directors can also nominate an employee. Alternatively, individuals can put themselves forward, on the proviso that a referee can confirm their suitability.

Nat Crompton, previous winner of the 2025 Global Colourist Award, said: “Winning the SDC Global Colourist Award was a real milestone and the first time I truly felt recognised for my work, which meant a lot. Colour is a complex and fascinating field, and one of the most rewarding aspects is understanding why things behave the way they do. There is still so much we don’t fully understand, which makes it an incredibly exciting industry to be part of.”

In addition to the event invitation and prize money, the winner and their employer will be featured in the SDC’s quarterly members’ magazine, The Colourist.

Andrew Filarowski, SDC’s technical director and deputy CEO, added: “The Society is once again delighted to reopen applications for the Global Colourist Award. We are looking for outstanding early-career professionals working across the many disciplines of colour, whether that’s industry or academia, who can demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, strong technical ability and a passion for colour, alongside a meaningful contribution to their field.”

Judging of the entries will take place following the application deadline, with interviews scheduled later in the year. The winner will be announced ahead of the SDC’s annual awards ceremony.

For details on how to nominate or enter, please visit the SDC website.