Croda has officially opened its new research and development laboratories at Sci-Tech Daresbury, near to Liverpool in the North West of England, which will serve as its global centre for biotechnology research - one of the company’s most important platforms for future growth.
Focused on supporting development of next generation ingredients and technologies for leading consumer and life sciences brands, Croda’s laboratories will also further collaboration between industry and academia to “accelerate the development and commercialisation of biotechnology innovation,” the company said.
Croda CEO Steve Foots said: “Biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in how we deliver sustainable innovation for our customers and create long-term value. We had opportunities to locate this facility in several countries around the world but chose the UK because of the strength of its science base, talent and innovation ecosystem.”
Formally opened by minister for reindustrialisation, Blair McDougal, the facility is expected to support future job creation both in Sci-Tech Daresbury and at Croda’s four other UK locations.
“Croda’s expansion here in Daresbury is a perfect example of what our Modern Industrial Strategy is designed to support: a global centre of biotech excellence backing skilled jobs and keeping Britain at the cutting edge of innovation,” said McDougal.
Ongoing innovation at the centre includes the development of a biotechnology-derived keratin ingredient which is designed to repair damaged hair. Now being commercialised globally, Croda says that the product, KeraBio K31, demonstrates how UK science can be translated into innovative customer products that address growing demand for premium hair care solutions.
“At a time when much of the discussion around the European chemicals sector focuses on industrial challenges, Croda’s investment highlights the continued opportunities for innovative companies to compete globally through intellectual property, advanced science and R&D growth.” Foots added.
Sci-Tech Daresbury, which was established to create the conditions for businesses to accelerate growth, specialises in biotechnology, biocatalysts and synthetic biology, as well as providing science infrastructure such as particle accelerators and supercomputers.
The Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, who attended the Croda opening event, said: “We have set an ambitious target to invest 5% of our GVA in research and development by 2030, and attracting globally ambitious businesses like Croda will be vital to achieving it. With world-class universities and research expertise on our doorstep, we have a unique opportunity to turn cutting-edge science into commercial succes.”
Further reading:
- Croda: Mapping the future of innovation in speciality ingredients
- Croda releases first biotechnology report
- Croda at 100: Growth, Innovation and Sustainability
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