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Syensqo (Brussels, Belgium; www.syensqo.com), a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, is proud to announce the inauguration of its world class cutting-edge microbiology, (eco-)toxicology and biotechnology laboratories in Lyon, France. This new facility is the company’s largest microbiology lab globally, serving as a reference center in the field. It enhances Syensqo’s biodegradation[1] and (eco-)toxicology[2] testing capabilities right from the early stages of product development, accelerating the development of environmentally-friendly and safe products through its Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform. The newly operational 550 m2 lab will work closely with other Syensqo labs around the world to significantly boost Syensqo’s ability to respond to customer needs by improving testing efficiency, and reducing time-to-market. Equipped with advanced capabilities and machine learning, the lab will support the development of biodegradable-by-design solutions, particularly in the beauty care, home care, agrochemical, adhesives and materials markets. In our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the lab’s construction incorporated key initiatives that resulted in a 35% decrease in net power consumption and a 36% reduction in CO2 emissions. By targeting GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) accreditation, expected in the second half of the year, the laboratory will also support product registration. In addition, the laboratory with its expertise in evaluating the biodegradability of a wide range of difficult-to-assess products, will also become available to support customers and partners through a service model. The lab will enable a dramatic increase in biodegradation testing capacity increasing by tenfold the number of samples tested compared to 2021. “Our new microbiology lab significantly strengthens our capacity to create safe and biodegradable solutions,” said Thomas Canova, Head of Research and Innovation and Head of Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform at Syensqo. “With advanced testing methods, digital capabilities, and increased precision and efficiency, we are accelerating the development of sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” The microbiology lab in Lyon was officially inaugurated on June 12, 2025 in the presence of local authorities and customers.
[1] Biodegradation testing is the process of evaluating how quickly and effectively a substance, such as a chemical or material, can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. This testing helps determine the environmental impact of a substance by assessing its ability to decompose naturally and safely. [2] Ecotoxicity testing is the process of evaluating the potential harmful effects of chemicals or substances on ecosystems, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. These tests help determine how a chemical might impact the environment, particularly aquatic and terrestrial life, and are essential for assessing environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Toxicity testing is the process of assessing the potential harmful effects of chemicals or substances on human health. This testing evaluates how exposure to a chemical might affect various bodily systems and helps ensure safety by identifying potential risks to humans.
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