Scott Bader’s new purpose-built £2 million R&D facility in Amiens, France, has been opened to support the development of new advanced composite materials for key markets including land transport, renewables, and e-mobility.

The product development center in Amiens will allow dedicated resources to focus on the exploration of innovative compositions to transition to more sustainable materials for customers. Featuring in-house testing facilities, the laboratory will enable much closer collaboration with customers in key markets.

“This new research and development facility will allow us to develop more sustainable materials for our strategic markets and customers globally. Amiens has long been a flagship site for the introduction of new complex formulated products. It is also pleasing to see the site making major steps from a sustainability perspective. Registered to ISO 14001, it is a leader in the journey towards the Group’s 2036 vision,” said Kevin Matthews, CEO, Scott Bader.

The facility is focused on reducing embodied carbon by using wood instead of steel where possible and choosing low-carbon concrete for certain elements. Demolition materials were also used to create the platform for the paving and recycled glazing was used in parts of the structure.

The building has been dubbed ‘The Dora Scott Laboratory’ in honor of the wife of founder Ernest Bader – a forward-thinking visionary that pioneered the employee-owned business model and believed in businesses having strong social foundations.

To learn more, visit www.scottbader.com.