Invica Industries is delighted to announce that Danielle Wrightham has been named Humber Renewables Woman of the Year at the 2025 Humber Marine and Renewables Awards. This prestigious recognition honours women in the energy sector who consistently go beyond business as usual, and Danielle’s work is an excellent example.
A former Royal Navy Communication and Information Systems Specialist, Danielle’s journey from military service to leading Research and Development at Invica Industries is a testament to her vision, determination, and technical excellence. Her leadership has been pivotal in the development of ecoke, a sustainable alternative to fossil carbons, offering a robust, low-carbon solution for blast furnaces and other hard-to-abate industrial processes.
In addition, she spearheaded the development of coffee briquettes, the company’s first 100% biomass product, transforming spent coffee grounds into a viable renewable fuel. Both initiatives reflect her commitment to solving real-world challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions.
“Having worked with Danielle for a number of years, I’ve seen her grow from strength to strength,” said Patrick Riley, Head of Projects. “She joined us as a R&D technician and very quickly displayed a real sense of passion and determination to make a difference, it wasn’t long before Danielle was promoted to a management position. From there we have really seem her flourish in so many levels of leadership, sustainability, and community engagement and that’s why I was proud to nominate Danielle.”
Beyond product innovation, Danielle has played a vital role in community-based environmental projects, including biodiversity partnerships with DFDS, Associated British Ports, and the Humber Nature Partnership. Her work has transformed neglected areas into thriving wildlife habitats, reinforcing her belief that sustainability should extend beyond business and into local communities.
Working within a traditionally male-dominated environment, Danielle has also become an inspiring figure for other women both onsite and across the wider business. Her success is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive workplace, encouraging more women to see a future for themselves in energy, engineering, and sustainability.
Danielle’s award reflects not only her individual achievements, but also Invica Industries’ commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for innovation and leadership. Her journey is proof that bold thinking, supported by the right environment, can drive meaningful progress across both industry and region.
“It is amazing,” she said, “We’re the first company to ever develop 100 per cent biomass solution on a roll press, and this is something completely innovative and something I’ve developed personally. We didn’t have the coffee grounds, so I had to work with the community, and get them from the businesses. They were so welcoming, and so positive.
“With ecoke we are decarbonising a business that is traditionally hard to decarbonise, so it is amazing to get the recognition.”
As the Humber region cements its status as a hub for renewable energy, Danielle’s recognition is a proud moment for Invica Industries and a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have in shaping a more sustainable future.
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