Syensqo, a global specialist in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, inaugurated its new state-of-the-art microbiology, (eco-)toxicology and biotechnology laboratory in Lyon on June 12, 2025.
According to the company, this new facility represents the Group's largest microbiology laboratory worldwide, and is intended to serve as a reference center in this field. It strengthens Syensqo's biodegradability and (eco-)toxicology testing capabilities at the earliest stages of product development, accelerating the development of safe, environmentally-friendly products via its growth platform for renewable materials and biotechnology.
The new 550 m2 laboratory will work closely with other Syensqo laboratories around the world to enhance Syensqo's ability to meet customer needs by improving testing efficiency and reducing time-to-market. Equipped with advanced capabilities and machine learning, the laboratory will support the development of biodegradable solutions by design, particularly in the cosmetics, household products, agrochemicals, adhesives and materials markets. As part of the company's commitment to sustainability, the laboratory has been built incorporating key initiatives that have reduced net electricity consumption by 35 % and cut CO2 emissions by 36 %.
By aiming for GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) accreditation, expected in the second half of the year, the laboratory will also support product registration. What's more, with its expertise in assessing the biodegradability of a wide range of products that are usually difficult to test, it will also be able to support its customers and partners via a service model. Its biodegradability testing capacity will increase tenfold compared with 2021.
"Our new microbiology laboratory considerably strengthens our ability to create safe, biodegradable solutions.explains Thomas Canova, Head of Research and Innovation and Head of Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform at Syensqo. Thanks to advanced testing methods, digital capabilities and increased accuracy and efficiency, we're accelerating the development of sustainable solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs."
