Univar adds Homecare and Industrial Cleaning Lab to Houston innovation hub

04 Feb 2022 --- Univar Solutions is expanding its Solution Center based in Houston, US, by adding a Homecare and Industrial cleaning lab. By doing so, the chemical and ingredient company is amplifying technical innovation as it will now offer product testing and application development.

“The fast-growing and ever-evolving nature of the cleaning industry means companies need a valued partner with deep expertise and the latest technology who can help drive technical innovation,” comments Aaron Lee, global vice president of homecare and industrial cleaning.

Bringing science and business together, Univer aims to partner customers and suppliers with scientists, chemists and technical experts equipped with progressive testing processes and analytics. 

Univer seeks to produce an improved line of homecare and industrial cleaning products – ensuring better performance and environmentally-friendly formulas across the beauty, personal care and home care markets.

Demands for sustainable and clean products 
Univar notes that demand for sustainable and effective cleaning products is escalating, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rise in ingredient literacy. One of many Univer’s industry specializations includes beauty and personal care ingredient innovation.

Sustainable products that carry a clean and natural label have been in particular demand. 

“We’re combining deep industry and technical knowledge with the latest technology, testing and processes to help brands more efficiently bring new and more environmentally friendly products to market, enter new industry segments, reformulate existing products and respond to consumer demand,” adds Dr. Andrew Mint, director of global solution centers for Univar.  

As a result, Univar’s new addition offers lab services where cleaning products can be tested. The facility will also develop end-products like detergents, cleaners and disinfectants.

The facility is expected to help Univar’s customers respond to shifts in regulations ingredient trends, which have especially favored sustainable and natural solutions. 

Previously, Evonik and Unilever partnered to create climate-conscious and biodegradable cleaning products using rhamnolipids. Additionally, Evonik recently acquired Botanica in a venture toward the personal care industry, seeking to produce cleaner ingredients. 

Edited by Venya Patel