Case study: Procter and Gamble
Development of Water-Soluble and Biodegradable Detergent Ingredients from CO2 and Biorenewable Sources
How can sustainability be enhanced in the design and manufacturing of fast-moving consumer goods? This is the challenge driving a project co-funded by Procter & Gamble, which focuses on the development of novel renewable and biodegradable water-soluble ingredients for fabric and home care products.
PhD researcher Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, under the supervision of Dr Fernando Russo Abegão and Professor Kamelia Boodhoo at Newcastle University, is investigating biorenewable platform molecules, with a focus on catalysis, molecular functionality design, and production pathway development.
Gang Si, Director Principle Scientist at Procter and Gamble, sheds more light on this fascinating project, and why the company is partnering with the PINZ CDT.
What was the background to the project
P&G is committed to sustainability. Our ambition is to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our supply chain and operations, from raw material to retailer, by 2040.
The company is interested in using recycled CO2 as a chemical building block for consumer goods. CO2 is already used as a feedstock in other sectors, ranging from circular chemicals to advanced materials. P&G sought to explore how this concept could be applied within its own industry.
Why did Procter and Gamble choose to engage with the PINZ CDT?
Renewable and circular feedstocks are a central theme of the PINZ CDT and align closely with P&G’s goals. However, developing efficient manufacturing processes using these novel building blocks and chemistries presents significant challenges. Beyond production routes, considerations include formulation stability, product performance, and environmental fate.
Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group has extensive expertise in renewable feedstock conversion, catalysis, and intensified process technologies. The PINZ CDT’s focus on net zero technologies and sustainability makes it an ideal partner.
For complex upstream projects like this, the CDT provides a holistic framework to assess multiple technologies and platform chemistries, combining laboratory experimentation with product performance testing and sustainability assessment.
How are Newcastle University’s facilities contributing to the project?
Assembling the equipment and capabilities needed to undertake this research from scratch would require significant upfront investment. Newcastle University provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for reaction screening and process development, as well as molecular quantification and structural characterisation tools, such as high-field NMR, mass spectroscopy, and chromatography systems. These resources are vital to the success of the research.
How will a student benefit from undertaking a PhD through the PINZ CDT?
Doctoral training programmes like the PINZ CDT are university-led but involve strong industrial collaboration. They provide students with end-to-end experience. For example, a student may synthesise compounds at the university, then later formulate these into a product and conduct performance testing that simulates real consumer use.
As projects progress toward application testing, collaboration with industrial colleagues becomes critical. This exposure to cross-functional teamwork mirrors real industry practice.
For students aiming for careers in industry, programmes like the PINZ CDT offer excellent preparation and valuable professional experience.
