Unilever opens new R&D centre

05 Mar 2008 | News
Unilever R&D has opened a new lab in the Netherlands to research and develop novel foodstuffs and food ingredients.
Science|Business Reporting

Image courtesy Unilever.

Unilever R&D has opened a new R&D lab, the Centre of Excellence Structured Emulsions in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands. The centre will research into novel foodstuffs and food ingredients that combine the desirable attributes of fats, for example, essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 and vitamins), with healthier choices, for example products with minimal saturated and trans fats, or low-calorie options. It will also look at functional foods containing ingredients that offer health benefits.

In addition, the centre aims to counter the rising cost of commodities such as rapeseed oil, by promoting the use of alternative ingredients such as citrus fibres and applying novel product structuring techniques.

While the centre is based in Vlaardingen, it has facilities in Dijon, France and Englewood Cliffs in the US, also. In total it employs 225 R&D professionals. The centre will also host Unilever’s European packaging technology centre.


Never miss an update from Science|Business:   Newsletter sign-up