The ceremony, a biennial event organised by the European Commission, celebrates companies at the forefront of eco-innovation, or which have a respect for the environment at the very core of their business principles.

Their innovation should make a positive contribution to the environment while also contributing to the economic and social aspects of sustainable development, and Royo was selected from 20 shortlisted companies.

The mill worked for over a decade with partners including Wrangler, Lee, Texas Tech University, machinery maker Gaston and consultancy Indigo Mill Designs to create DryIndigo, a process that uses a foam dye applicator, using no water, 65% less energy and 90% fewer chemicals than the standard process. In August it applied the process to black, DryBlack.

Jose Royo (pictured), a director at the company, said: “It’s an honour to receive the award. This technology is going to change the textile industry as we know it.”