Speaking on the occasion, Kathleen Fish, Chief Technology Officer, P&G, said: “Innovation has always been, and continues to be, our lifeblood. We are inspired every day to deliver innovations that create and redefine product categories. The new Singapore Innovation Center unites P&G’s best-in-class R&D and consumer research capabilities to generate new product formulations, advanced packaging and prototypes – uniquely designed to deliver superior value for consumers in Asia and the rest of the world.”
P&G’s innovation process begins with gaining new insights at the Center’s model consumer home, where scientists engage with consumers to discover unmet needs. Then state-of-the-art laboratories conduct advanced biochemical, molecular and genomics research in 18 fields of study for some of P&G’s billion dollar brands such as Pantene and SK-II.
Scientists at the Center claim to be setting a new standard in skin research, using advanced imaging analysis to discover a scientific basis for radiant, glowing skin. All of P&G’s hair conditioner technology for leading brands including Head & Shoulders and Pantene, will be designed at the Singapore Innovation Center. At the Wella Salon, experts will conduct product testing of hair colour products for applications in different markets around the world.
Research and innovation at the Center extends to producing prototypes and packaging innovations to enable quicker testing, reformulation and launch of the latest products for consumers. The Center’s pilot manufacturing plant will produce small batches of products for rapid, small-scale consumer testing. Advanced prototype packaging designs will also be developed using some of the latest commercial, multi-material 3D printers used in the industry.
With the ability to mix a perfume 40 times faster than conventional methods, a fragrance compounding robot at the Center helps scientists accelerate the product development cycle of skincare for leading global fashion brands as well as the company’s beauty and home care products.
Keeping with P&G’s sustainability goals, the waste at Innovation Center is reused, recycled or used for energy recovery. A Silver LEED certified and Green Mark building, the Center uses renewable power that is generated within the facility.
Asia continues to be a key market for P&G, serving more than two billion consumers with a portfolio of 25 brands including 22 billion-dollar brands. Globally, P&G invests more than US$2 billion each year in R&D and more than US$350 million in consumer understanding.
“We are delighted that P&G has chosen to locate their strategic innovation centre in Singapore. Today’s opening is testament to Singapore’s success in developing a world-class Consumer Businesses industry – one where companies like P&G can tap on our industry and innovation capabilities to create home and personal care products that meet the unique needs of Asian consumers,” said Leo Yip, Chairman, Singapore EDB.
