Page 16 - HPIC E-Magazine (January-2021)

News from Abroad

INSPIRED FROM SEAWEED
Unilever sets up biotech JV to advance self-cleaning

technology

FMCG major, Unilever, and have found is a unique technology in
Scotland-based consultancy, Innova which its uses are almost limitless.
Partnerships, have launched a joint We recognise what this technology
venture (JV) biotechnology company, can represent at scale for many sec-
Penrhos Bio, to commercialise a tech- tors outside of Unilever’s portfolio.
nology that means self-cleaning sur- Through Penrhos Bio, we want to con-
faces could become a reality. nect with other industries that would
benefit from using this solution.”
The breakthrough has come with working in dirty waters by blocking
the introduction of an organic com- the communication between bacteria Unilever said the technology repre-
pound called Lactam, which can so that it cannot colonise and build sents significant opportunity across
block, or prevent, bacteria and mould up on healthy surfaces of the plant. multiple sectors, including health-
on everyday surfaces. This patented This is what we have successfully care, textiles, and marine and could
technology, which Unilever has been replicated in the lab, and now we are even be used in medical fields where
researching for over 10 years, is de- ready to start trialling this in our Uni- microbial biofilms are commonplace.
veloped from natural chemicals in lever cleaning products.”
seaweed biology and has the poten- Professor Steve Howell, Founder
tial to be used in a range of situations Dr. Jon Hague, Unilever’s Vice of Innova Partnerships said, “This
– from preventing fungal growth in President for Science & Technology, is such an exciting and innovative
washing machines and dishwashers Unilever Homecare said: “The com- space. We are currently working with
to self-cleaning banknotes. mercialised use of Lactam presents license partners for banknotes and
a significant opportunity for cleaning dental applications, but there are so
Everyday items including clothing products globally and could revolutio- many more uses in which this tech-
and kitchen surfaces are constantly nise the industry. However, what we nology could benefit.”
challenged by bacterial contamina-
in people are estimated to involve the Sensient and China’s Yatsen plan
tion. Over 80% of bacterial infections
microorganisms that grows on many colour cosmetics labs in China
formation of biofilms, a collection of
formed and developed through bac- and Singapore
surfaces. These microorganisms are
terial communications systems, but
now research has found that by dis- US manufacturer of colours, fla- raw materials besides the use of ad-
rupting these systems it’s possible to vours and fragrances, Sensient Tech- vanced technologies to solve recur-
not only prevent them from growing nologies, and China’s beauty firm, ring technical challenges in the cos-
in the first place but to keep the sur- Yatsen Holding Ltd., which owns the metics industry.
faces cleaner for longer. makeup and skincare brands Per-
fect Diary, Little Ondine and Abby’s “Through this collaboration, Sen-
Dr. Neil Parry, R&D Programme Choice, have entered into a strategic sient will channel its global labora-
Director – Biotechnology and Bio- collaboration to establish joint tory experience to create new formu-
sourcing, Unilever, explained, “This innovation laboratories in Shanghai, lated solutions that match cosmetic
technology replicates the natural Guangzhou, and Singapore. trends in China and worldwide. Yat-
cleaning process of seaweed; keeping sen will contribute its vast experi-
surfaces clean and repelling unwant- These colour laboratories will ence in cosmetics and skincare to
ed invaders from its direct environ- focus on R&D of innovative colours deliver innovative beauty products,”
ment. This biology works in extreme and new materials for cosmetics, as the two companies said in a state-
conditions such that it will keep well as the use of quality control for ment.
16 Home, Personal & Institutional Care India January 2021