Visit to China

SHANGHAI, China - 16 January 2025: Global consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (‘Reckitt plc’) announces the start of construction on its Global R&D Science and Innovation Centre in Caohejing Hi-Tech Park in Minhang district, Shanghai. The Centre, which represents an investment of more than 300 million RMB (£33million), is Reckitt’s biggest R&D site investment in Asia. It is planned to be operational in 2026 to accelerate innovation and growth in China. 

"China is one of Reckitt's most important markets. Over the past 30 years, we have established deep connections with Chinese consumers, always keeping their needs at the heart of everything we do,” said Chief Executive Officer Kris Licht. “With our latest investment in the Science and Innovation Centre, we affirm our long-term commitment to enhancing the lives of over 100 million Chinese households with superior health and hygiene products designed for the Chinese market, which can also be a blueprint for global innovation.”  

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Reckitt's operations in the Chinese mainland, though we have been serving the needs of Chinese consumers for over 100 years. Reckitt’s strategy in China revolves around the principle of “Design for China in China.” This has resulted in approximately 95% of Reckitt’s portfolio here being designed locally, tailored to meet the unique health and hygiene needs of Chinese consumers with bespoke products such as Dettol 4-in-1 laundry pods, Durex polyurethane condoms and Move Free his and hers joint health supplements. 

Inspiring the future with cutting-edge technology and world-class talent  

An inaugural ceremony was held at Reckitt’s Shanghai site on 16 January, attended by Minhang government representative Mr. Chen Huawen, Mr. Tan Ruicong, and Matt Burney, British Consul General in Shanghai. Also attending were Mr. Weng Kaining from  Lingang Group and Reckitt executives including Chief Executive Officer Kris Licht, Chief Research & Development Officer Angela Naef and Emerging Markets President Nitish Kapoor. 

With the performance of traditional Chinese drumming and a lion dance, Reckitt’s inaugural ceremony featured a digital “wall-breaking” to symbolise the official start of construction for the Centre, which occupies over 8,000 square meters of space.  

With world-class R&D facilities, cutting-edge digital systems and AI-enabled technologies, the Centre aims to attract the world’s top R&D talent to provide comprehensive end-to-end R&D capabilities for Reckitt’s health and hygiene businesses. It will support the development of all Reckitt brands in China, including Durex, Dettol, Move Free and Finish, enhancing Reckitt's competitive advantage to offer more locally developed products, which can potentially be rolled out elsewhere later. 

“This investment will allow us to expand our understanding of Chinese consumers’ evolving needs and deepen our scientific research capabilities, so we can bring more breakthrough products to market more quickly,” said Reckitt’s Chief R&D Officer Angela Naef. “Reckitt also looks forward to collaborating with local universities and research institutions and developing local talent to help support the healthy lives of Chinese families.” 

With a common view of shared growth and success in China, Reckitt’s work supports both the “Healthy China 2030” initiative and Reckitt’s mission to "protect, heal and nurture in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world”. 

Insight into local market demand  

As a hub of economic and technological innovation, Shanghai boasts a superior location, abundant talent pool, and significant innovation resources. It is also the centre of Reckitt’s commercial business and close to Reckitt’s newest factory in Taicang.  

"Choosing Shanghai for our Global R&D Science and Innovation Centre will also promote closer cooperation and connection between the commercial and R&D teams, allowing the global R&D team to hear the voices of the Chinese market more directly," said Arjun Purkayastha, Reckitt's SVP of Greater China & North Asia.   

The project is located in Caohejing Hi-tech Park, which fosters an environment where cutting-edge research and technological advancements thrive. Leeraging its strategic location, robust infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, Reckitt's Global R&D Science and Innovation Centre will fully unlock its potential and provide more innovative products and services to Chinese consumers.