Leading Manufacturer Continues Commitment To Global Climate Change Relief
Proctor & Gamble (P&G) will develop the next generation of more environmentally-friendly detergents at its Tyneside base as part of its ongoing global commitment to sustainable development.
The company is carrying out a multi million pound research project into pioneering low-energy detergent technology with the support of a Large Company Research and Development Grant of £1.25m from One North East.
The project could further revolutionise the way clothes are washed, reducing not only the temperature, but also cutting water and energy consumption in the process – reducing costs and the impact on water and energy resources.
It is estimated that washing clothes at mains temperature could lead to energy savings of more than 40%, with faster washing cycles and lower water consumption leading to a further 30% reduction in energy consumption. Reduced volumes of water within the wash cycle will also significantly reduce environmental impact.
This adds up to a major reduction in the environmental impact of household washing. This project will lead to changes which will be applied globally – with the North East taking a lead in driving changes and putting sustainability at the heart of new product development.
Kathy Fish, Vice President of Procter & Gamble was in Newcastle to congratulate the team and to inspect the premises and see at first hand the work of the Newcastle Technical Centre as part of a global network of research and development centres leading P&G innovations.
Charles Bragg, P&G’s Newcastle Technical Centre Site Leader, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of P&G’s purpose. Keeping sustainability at the core of our business fuels innovation and strengthens our results.
“We are proud of the work we have already led on Ariel Cool Clean and our scientists at NTC continue to be leaders and innovators in the development of laundry detergents with reduced environmental impact.”
One North East Director of Business and Industry, Ian Williams, said: “P&G as a global company could have carried out this project anywhere in the world – placing it in Newcastle reflects their commitment to and confidence in the Newcastle Technical Centre as capable of carrying out groundbreaking research.
“With our grant we are happy to support the Newcastle site and are confident that this will raise their profile in the group and help the Newcastle site become a world leading centre of excellence for low water washing technology.
“This project involves world leading science which if successful will translate in to products which will be exploited globally, making a significant difference in reducing the environmental impact of household laundry washing on a global basis.
“The products which result from this research will not only reduce the environmental impact of washing activities on the planet but also the impact on household budgets, as energy and water savings will also translate in to costs savings for the consumer.”
Newcastle Technical Centre currently employs 342 permanent research staff, plus around another 100 temporary researchers, which makes it one of the largest employers of scientists and researchers in the North East.
It focuses on household care products, particularly laundry and automatic dishwashing products. It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at its Longbenton site. However, like all technical centres in the P&G network, it has to compete with other P&G sites for new research work. Winning such an important project for the North East is considered an exciting opportunity for the centre.
This project represents the first offer under One North East’s pilot Large Company R&D Grant scheme. The collaborative grant scheme helps large companies carry out commercially-driven research and development in new products and processes.
The scheme aims to increase the level of R&D carried out in the region and raise the profile of the North East as a place capable of high quality, ground-breaking R&D. It also aims to raise the value of North East companies in the vital area of science and innovation.
One North East Head of Business Investment, Dr Simon Goon, said: “The environmental impact of this research and development could be enormous and I am delighted P&G have recognised the ability of its Newcastle operation to deliver this globally-important project.
“We could not have wished to have a better project to launch the Large Company Research and Development Grant. I am pleased that One North East has been able to support his commendable project.”
This project is a collaboration between P&G’s Newcastle Technical Centre (NTC), Northumbria University and Freeman Hospital. The support of its local partners was also a crucial aspect of the Newcastle Technical Centre bringing the P&G project to the North East, and highlights the strength in depth not just in industry but in the supporting knowledge based institutes.
A large number of researchers will be involved in the research comprising a mixture of technologists, chemists, perfumers, formulators, experts in appliances and consumer researchers, together with support from experts in the regional partner organizations.
The Freeman Hospital’s Microbiology Department will take a lead on the role of microbes in the generation of consumer malodour and the University of Northumbria will research the impact of low water washes on residues and the impact on malodour molecules.
The Large Company Research and Development Grant is delivered by One North East and is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded support products offering help to companies to start, grow and succeed. Solutions for Business makes it easier for companies to get the advice and assistance that they need.
Topics: Ariel Cool Clean, climate change, clothes, detergent, development, energy resources, environment, Governance, government, grant, P&G, Proctor & Gamble, research, tyneside, washing
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
