Reckitt Opens New Shanghai Innovation Centre
Reckitt has opened a new global Science & Innovation Centre in Shanghai, marking its largest R&D investment in Asia. The facility combines scientific research, digital tools, and consumer insights to develop products for local and global markets.
Reckitt has inaugurated a new Global Science & Innovation Centre in Shanghai’s Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, representing the company’s most significant research and development investment in Asia to date. This facility joins Reckitt's network of nine global innovation centers and is poised to play a key role in future product development.
The center is designed to merge advanced scientific research laboratories with digital technologies and regional expertise. It aims to accelerate the development of new health and hygiene products for both the Chinese and international markets. Reckitt CEO Kris Licht highlighted China's growing importance as a market and a source of innovation, suggesting that Chinese consumer insights will drive product development globally.
A key feature of the Shanghai facility is the integration of research labs with consumer-facing live streaming studios. This setup allows Reckitt to gather real-time consumer feedback, which will directly inform the design and refinement of new products and existing lines. The company expects this approach to enhance speed to market and better align products with evolving consumer needs.
Alongside the innovation center's opening, Reckitt launched its global social impact initiative, Catalyst, in China. Through partnerships with entities like the Shanghai Youth Development Foundation and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the program will support young innovators and entrepreneurs focused on advancing science, consumer health, and hygiene solutions.