Future possibilities

We are proud of our reputation as a world leader in research and development through innovation and renovation.

More about our future possibilities

Building the future

Find out about the R&D story behind our products

People hugging trees in a forest

The science of touch

We worked with a team of scientists from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, to discover a special class of nerves in the skin which respond to pleasant touch.

More on the science of touch

Innovation

Our innovation

  • Our investment

    € 927m

    In 2008 Unilever invested € 927m on research and development.

  • Our people

    6000 +

    Currently we have over 6000 people working in R&D in all Unilever regions across the globe.

  • Our inventions

    300 +

    We typically file between 250 & 350 new patent applications a year.

  • Our intellectual property

    20 000

    Worldwide we have over 20 000 registered patents & patent applications.

Our Food brands

Food brands

Unilever is one of the world's leading food companies. Our passion for understanding what people want and need from their food - and what they love about it - makes our brands a popular choice.

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Our Personal Care brands

Personal care brands

Our personal care brands, including Axe, Dove, Pond's and Sunsilk, are recognised and respected around the world. They help consumers to look good and feel good – and in turn get more out of life.

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Some of our locations worldwide

  • Europe

    Unilever R&D Europe, Port Sunlight & Colworth (UK), Vlaardingen (NL).
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  • North America

    Unilever R&D Trumbull, USA.
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  • Asia

    Unilever R&D Shanghai, China & Bangalore, India.
    Find out more