CP Kelco said it launched a new global innovation center, adding to the company’s growing network of innovation and technical support facilities around the world. The Atlanta-based innovation center is designed as an open, collaborative space for scientists and customers alike to engage in ingredient research, problem-solving, development and pilot plant scaleup of food, beverage, home care, personal care and other consumer and industrial products.

“With our new innovation center, we’ve invested significantly in our commitment to provide a world-class customer experience and deliver on our brand promise of ‘Unlocking Nature-Powered Success’ through innovation and problem-solving,” said Didier Viala, president of CP Kelco. “We’re excited about taking our global capabilities to a new level and further exploring the possibilities presented by key trends and growth opportunities — all with a sharp focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers and consumers, today and into the future.”

Strategically located within CP Kelco’s U.S.-based corporate headquarters, the 24,000-square-foot innovation center joins three other global innovation centers (in Brazil, California and Denmark) and four additional regional application lab facilities (in China, Dubai, India and Singapore) as part of CP Kelco’s robust network of innovation capabilities and technical experts, the company said.

“We designed the new innovation center with collaboration in mind,” said Jennifer Aspen Mason, senior vice president of innovation at CP Kelco. “It was designed to be welcoming to our customers while inspiring creativity and ideation. The sectors and manufacturers we serve need partners that are not only highly skilled, but also passionate and agile in staying ahead of trends and helping them accelerate product development.”

Unique to the new innovation center are labs devoted to microbiology, fermentation science and consumer and industrial applications development. CP Kelco said the center also houses research and development labs, a food and beverage pilot plant to support customers with production scaleup, and a sensory evaluation space to conduct sensory studies for understanding consumer perceptions and preferences.

One of the most striking features of the new innovation center is a large chef’s kitchen and open meeting space with sweeping skyline views. This highly customizable space is well-appointed with videoconferencing and collaboration technology for workshops and other forums, CP Kelco said.