P&G base green research in North

Nov 13 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

PROCTER & Gamble (P&G) will develop the next generation of more environmentally-friendly detergents at its Tyneside base in a multi-million pound investment programme.

The company is carrying out a 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.

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.”

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.