Advanced materials and specialty chemicals company Syensqo announced the inauguration of its world-class cutting-edge microbiology, (eco-)toxicology, and biotechnology labs in Lyon, France. Syensqo reports that the new facility is the company's largest microbiology lab globally, serving as a reference center in the field. It enhances Syensqo's biodegradation and (eco-)toxicology testing capabilities right from the early stages of product development, accelerating the development of environmentally friendly and safe products through its Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform.

The newly operational 550 m2 lab will work closely with other Syensqo labs around the world to significantly boost Syensqo's ability to respond to customer needs by improving testing efficiency, and reducing time-to-market. Equipped with advanced capabilities and machine learning, the lab will support the development of biodegradable-by-design solutions, particularly in the beauty care, home care, agrochemical, adhesives, and materials markets. Demonstrating Syensqo’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the lab's construction incorporated key initiatives that resulted in a 35% decrease in net power consumption and a 36% reduction in CO₂ emissions. 

By targeting GLP (good laboratory practices) accreditation, expected in the second half of the year, the laboratory will also support product registration. Additionally, the laboratory, with its expertise in evaluating the biodegradability of a wide range of difficult-to-assess products, will also become available to support customers and partners through a service model. The lab will enable a dramatic increase in biodegradation testing capacity, increasing by tenfold the number of samples tested compared to 2021. 

"Our new microbiology lab significantly strengthens our capacity to create safe and biodegradable solutions. With advanced testing methods, digital capabilities, and increased precision and efficiency, we are accelerating the development of sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers," said Thomas Canova, Head of Research and Innovation and Head of Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform at Syensqo.

The microbiology lab in Lyon was officially inaugurated on June 12, 2025, in the presence of local authorities and customers.