By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Behind the Scenes at Leading R&D Sites Transforming Science into Consumer Favored Products
At key R&D facilities in the UK, we delve into how our experts convert scientific discoveries into beloved consumer products. Leveraging AI and robotics, we are significantly accelerating our discovery processes and swiftly bringing innovations to market.
Global Reach : Our products are used daily by 3.4 billion people worldwide, each developed through world class R&D.
Investment and Protection : In 2023, we invested €949 million in R&D and secured over 20,500 patents to safeguard our ideas.
Expertise : Over 5,000 R&D professionals, including more than 500 PhDs, drive our innovations globally.
Every product innovation starts with identifying consumer pain points. Our leading scientists at Unilever R&D tackle these issues, turning solutions into desirable products. In 2023, our new product innovations contributed €1.8 billion to our turnover. From efficient laundry detergents to hair care solutions that restore shine, we are innovating for growth.
Accelerating Discovery with AI Driven R&D
AI is transforming the speed and efficiency of our research, enabling scientists to analyze millions of enzyme and molecule combinations rapidly. This technology aids in developing new solutions that would otherwise take decades. AI also tests product efficacy under various conditions and streamlines manufacturing by standardizing processes globally, allowing us to respond to consumer needs faster than ever.
Robotic Advancements at the Materials Innovation Factory
The Materials Innovation Factory, co founded by Unilever, the University of Liverpool, and Research England, boasts the world's highest concentration of robots in materials chemistry. These robots enhance data collection, ensure consistent testing, and operate continuously. Recently, they played a pivotal role in developing Persil Wonder Wash, a laundry detergent effective in short wash cycles and innovative Pro S technology.
Robots at MIF can simulate various washing machine cycles worldwide, customizing water types, temperatures, and cycles, providing invaluable data for rapid product performance predictions. This consistency in testing allows our scientists more time for creativity and innovation.
User Experience Testing at the Product Innovation Lab
Opened in 2023, the Product Innovation Lab in Port Sunlight transforms scientific discoveries into superior products. For hair care, increasing styling trends drive demand for products that repair damaged hair. Our Smart Fibre Shield and Fibre Active Technologies, protected by 11 patents, address these needs by targeting and repairing damaged hair fibers. These technologies are now integrated into Dove’s Intensive Repair Technology range, enhancing hair resilience and appearance.
Prototyping at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre
Every formulation developed at Port Sunlight’s labs is transitioned to the Advanced Manufacturing Centre to become 'factory ready'. Equipped with advanced manufacturing tools, the center evaluates product quality, process efficiency, and packaging design. Digital twins of our production processes enable us to optimize and customize recipes for factories worldwide, ensuring consistent product quality everywhere.
Future Proofing R&D Innovation
With 3.4 billion daily users, our success hinges on the expertise of our R&D professionals at MIF and Port Sunlight. Combining their skills with a leading, digitally enabled R&D ecosystem, we continue to elevate the impact of our innovations.
