Croda opens new innovation centre for formulation science

Croda International has opened its new Centre of Innovation for Formulation Science at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) at the University of Liverpool.

The laboratory facility is intended to aid the use of automated technologies to advance the firm’s understanding and capabilities in formulation science.

In addition, the MIF’s capabilities are expected to provide Croda with insights on ingredient interactions, actives delivery, and formulation optimisation.

The firm plans to achieve this knowledge through fast robotic formulating platforms, high-throughput analytical tests, and advanced data analysis. These insights would help the firm explore the functionality of current and new products in a variety of formulation systems.

Croda International personal care long-term innovation global vice-president Dr Surinder Chahal said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us; access to the cutting-edge capability at the MIF will allow us to further enhance our reputation in innovative formulation by adopting high-throughput technologies and computer aided materials science to fully realise the potential of our existing and future products, as well as enabling us to develop new ways to meet consumer needs in fast-moving marketplaces.”

The University of Liverpool established the MIF facility as part of its partnership with Unilever and the Higher Education Funding Council for England under the UK Government’s Research Partnership Investment Fund.

Founded in 1925, Croda provides ingredients and technologies to multiple sectors such as personal care, healthcare, polymer additives, and lubricants.