European Business
  • HOME
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • INVEST
  • MARKET
  • PARTNERSHIP
  • INNOVATION
  • PEOPLE
  • INSIGHTS
No Result
View All Result
European Business
  • HOME
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • INVEST
  • MARKET
  • PARTNERSHIP
  • INNOVATION
  • PEOPLE
  • INSIGHTS
No Result
View All Result
European Business
No Result
View All Result
Home < INDUSTRIES Consumer

Unilever and Innova Partnerships one step closer to self-cleaning surfaces

by Marie Weil
January 6, 2021
A A
Share on LinkedinShare on Twitter

London – Unilever and Innova Partnerships have launched a joint venture biotechnology company, Penrhos Bio, to commercialise a technology that means self-cleaning surfaces could become a reality.

The world first breakthrough has come with the introduction of an organic compound called Lactam which can block, or prevent, bacteria and mould on everyday surfaces.

This patented technology, which Unilever has been researching for over 10 years, is developed from natural chemicals in seaweed biology and has the potential to be used in a range of situations – from preventing fungal growth in washing machines and dishwashers to self-cleaning banknotes.

Everyday items including clothing and kitchen surfaces are constantly challenged by bacterial contamination. Over 80% of bacterial infections in people are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms, a collection of microorganisms that grows on many surfaces. These microorganisms are formed and developed through bacterial communications systems, but now research has found that by disrupting these systems it’s possible to not only prevent them from growing in the first place but to keep the surfaces cleaner for longer.

Penhros Bio could help to tackle some of the biggest societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century. It represents significant opportunity across multiple sectors, including healthcare, textiles, and marine and could even be used in medical fields where microbial biofilms are commonplace.

Dr Neil Parry, R&D Programme Director – Biotechnology and Biosourcing, Unilever, explained: “This technology replicates the natural cleaning process of seaweed; keeping surfaces clean and repelling unwanted invaders from its direct environment. This biology works in extreme conditions such that it will keep working in dirty waters by blocking the communication between bacteria so that it cannot colonise and build up on healthy surfaces of the plant. This is what we have successfully replicated in the lab, and now we are ready to start trialling this in our Unilever cleaning products.”

Dr Jon Hague, Unilever’s Vice President for Science & Technology, Unilever Homecare said: “The commercialised use of Lactam presents a significant opportunity for cleaning products globally and could revolutionise the industry. However, what we have found is a unique technology in which its uses are almost limitless. We recognise what this technology can represent at scale for many sectors outside of Unilever’s portfolio. Through Penrhos Bio, we want to connect with other industries that would benefit from using this solution.”

Professor Steve Howell, Founder of Innova Partnerships said: “This is such an exciting and innovative space. We’re currently working with license partners for banknotes and dental applications, but there are so many more uses in which this technology could benefit.”

Tags: < Partnership

Related Industries

Consumer

L’Oréal unveils two new CES 2023 innovation award-winning beauty technologies

January 5, 2023
Consumer

Amazon invests in the development of Polish local economy, digitization, and sustainability

December 21, 2022
Consumer

Pronovias Group announces an agreement to strengthen its capital structure and accelerate growth

December 21, 2022
Consumer

Ochama Delivers Selected Frozen Foods to Customers in France

December 17, 2022
Consumer

How Amazon is reducing packaging

December 15, 2022
Consumer

JD Logistics Partners with Poland’s Largest Retail Chain Biedronka

December 9, 2022

AstraZeneca to acquire CinCor Pharma to strengthen cardiorenal pipeline

January 10, 2023

...

A.P. Moller – Maersk and DP World enter a long-term partnership to decarbonise logistics and improve customer services

January 14, 2023

...

HOLCIM ACQUIRES NICEM

January 11, 2023

...

ams OSRAM releases industry leading 0.5Mpixel global shutter CMOS image sensors to save space and power in wearable and mobile devices

January 7, 2023

...

L’Oréal unveils two new CES 2023 innovation award-winning beauty technologies

January 5, 2023

...

A.P. Moller – Maersk announces new executive leadership team

January 11, 2023

...

New Head of Public Relations, Media and Communications EMEA and Marketing Replacement Tires Germany at Continental

January 12, 2023

...

Continental Showcases Curved Display with Invisible Control Panel and Innovation for Driver Identification

January 6, 2023

...

Stewart Odurny appointed Executive Vice-President Customers and Strategy of Safran Landing Systems

January 3, 2023

...

Airbus to provide Poland with a very high resolution optical satellite system

January 5, 2023

...

Asia Pacific Business Asia Pacific Business Asia Pacific Business

EUROPEAN BUSINESS is a premier source of corporate news, business information and insights across broad spectrum of industries in Europe and worldwide.  We are one of the members of the Business World Network.

RESOURCES

  • HOME
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • INVEST
  • MARKET
  • PARTNERSHIP
  • INNOVATION
  • PEOPLE
  • INSIGHTS

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL:     editor # european-biz.com

PARTNERSHIP:     partnership # european-biz.com

HUMAN RESOURCE:     hr # european-biz.com

* (replace # with @)

  • Official Site

Copyright © EUROPEAN-BIZ.COM All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • INVEST
  • MARKET
  • PARTNERSHIP
  • INNOVATION
  • PEOPLE
  • INSIGHTS

Copyright © EUROPEAN-BIZ.COM All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist