Croda Opens Global Biotechnology Hub at Sci-Tech Daresbury
The ingredients maker is backing biocatalysis and synthetic biology in the North West
Speciality chemicals company Croda has officially opened a global biotechnology hub at the Sci-Tech Daresbury innovation campus in the Liverpool City Region. Opened on 17 September 2026, the centre brings together expertise in biotechnology, biocatalysis and synthetic biology to speed up the development and commercialisation of next-generation ingredients for consumer care and life sciences markets.
What the Daresbury hub will do
The hub connects to Croda’s global research and development network and is designed to encourage collaboration between industry, universities and government. One example of the kind of product it supports is KeraBio K31, a biotechnology-derived keratin ingredient that Croda is now commercialising worldwide.
Croda says the facility is expected to support future job creation at Daresbury and at its other UK sites, although it has not published specific numbers.
Biocatalysis and synthetic biology explained
Biocatalysis uses enzymes, nature’s catalysts, to carry out chemical reactions. Because enzymes are highly selective and often work at moderate temperatures and pressures, they can simplify processes and reduce energy use compared with some traditional chemistry.
Synthetic biology goes a step further by engineering microorganisms so they produce useful molecules, often through fermentation. Scaling these processes from the lab to production is a major challenge for chemical and process engineers.
Why Croda chose the UK
Chief executive Steve Foots pointed to the strength of the UK’s science base, talent and innovation ecosystem as reasons for the investment, and said innovative companies can compete globally through intellectual property and R&D-led growth. Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Reindustrialisation, said the facility supports the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy by turning British science into exports and creating high-value jobs in the North West.
Croda already has its global headquarters in East Yorkshire, a manufacturing and innovation site at Rawcliffe Bridge, and manufacturing at Ditton and Leek.
Careers in bioprocess and chemical engineering
Growth in industrial biotechnology is creating demand for bioprocess engineers, fermentation scientists, process development engineers and scale-up specialists, as well as engineers with experience in regulated environments. Many of these skills overlap with biomedical engineering and life sciences manufacturing.
Looking for a role in this fast-moving sector, or trying to find the right people? Speak to Bernoullis.
Sources: The Manufacturer · Insider Media · UKSPA
Images are illustrative. Credits: Ian S , CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Ian S , CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Ian S , CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
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