Henkel opens new Asia R&D centre for consumer brands

Henkel has officially opened its new Asia R&D centre for consumer brands in Shanghai with an investment of approximately 100 million RMB. As Henkel’s largest R&D facility in Asia, the new centre will attract top scientific talent, bolster local R&D capabilities in both hair and laundry & home care, and further position Henkel consumer products at the forefront of the industry. It will contribute to agile product innovations based on local consumer habits and insights across eleven markets in Asia.

Occupying over 2,500 square metres of floor space, the new R&D centre offers ample capacities for future growth ambitions and expanded capabilities. Built on the design concept of 'innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability,' the R&D centre features advanced equipment and encompasses comprehensive capabilities, catering to both current and future needs of Henkel Consumer Brands. It integrates six functional areas: consumer centre, advanced research, product development, packaging design, chemical and physical analysis, and product evaluation, the company said in a press release.

“Across our illustrious 147-year history, Henkel has consistently revolutionised consumer markets, positively impacting the lives of millions through our innovative products. The new R&D centre, one of our facilities integrated with consumer centres worldwide, will contribute to a robust global research network spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Anticipating the impact of this state-of-the-art facility, we aim to deepen our understanding of evolving consumer behaviours, fortifying Henkel's commitment to pioneering leading-edge technologies tailored for both local and global markets,” Frank Meyer, corporate senior vice president R&D of Henkel Consumer Brands, said.

“This investment represents a pivotal milestone as the first Asia-based R&D centre supporting product development and ingredient formulation for both business categories. Leveraging unique research synergies, the centre is set to shape our portfolio for higher growth, adding substantial value to the Asian market and propelling Henkel Consumer Brands to new heights,” David Tung, regional president of Henkel Consumer Brands Asia, said.