BASF opens 'Newtrition Lab' in Singapore to boost regional R&D capabilities
Located at Singapore Polytechnic, the Newtrition Lab Asia Pacific, is BASF’s fourth lab in Asia. China has two – a Newtrition Lab and pharma technical centre, both in Shanghai. On the other hand, India has a pharma technical centre in Mumbai catering to South Asian markets.
Francois Scheffler, vice-president, BASF SE, Global Human Nutrition and Pharma Solutions, said that the new lab is a one-stop, science-based nutrient solution that will ensure BASF customers are fully supported in delivering high-efficacy products.
This is the first time BASF has set up an application facility in a tertiary institution in Singapore.
BASF experts on health and nutrition will work with researchers and students at the polytechnic to conduct research and develop new concepts and solutions using performance testing equipment. The lab can also be used to examine ingredients in dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages.
Tina Low, regional director of BASF Human Nutrition Asia Pacific said: “The global population is expected to grow to more than 10bn by 2050. That’s 10bn reasons for us to deliver more from less. We do so by catering to diverse markets and population in Asia Pacific to provide the right nutrients to the right people at the right time. And Singapore, with her diverse demographics, is the right place to put our application lab to serve our customers in the region.”
BASF says its global network of Newtrition Application Labs offers an array of services with special attention paid to regional preferences and cultural differences. The company has four Newtrition Labs in Europe that focus on dietary supplements, food and beverages. There is also one lab in North America and one in South America.
Singapore has increasingly become the regional hub for research and development centres in recent years, with a raft of companies, including DuPont, Tate & Lyle, DSM and Wacker also ramping up their activities in the City State.
