As partners in an EU-supported project that started in 2019, Cody has developed two so-called FabLabs (fabrication laboratories). The project aims to give consumers the opportunity to tailor their own consumer goods, such as shampoo, make-up, nutritional supplements and food. The project consists of 6 companies and 7 research institutions which together represent 7 different EU countries with SINTEF as project coordinator.

SINTEF knew us well in Cody from before via projects we have had with them in the past, and therefore got in touch to find out if we were interested in taking part in this.

TWO MACHINES HAVE BEEN DELIVERED AND INSTALLED

In December 2022, it was confirmed that the installation of the two fablabs was successful. One is at the large industrial incubator CPI in Durham, Great Britain, and the other at SINTEF in Porsgrunn. Both companies aim in the coming time to test and see what potential exists in the machines, as well as how they can be used for different purposes and in different industries.

A CHANGE IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

A major trend within consumer goods is a desire and need for these to be more adaptable to the individual consumer's preferences. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their own needs. They are concerned about what suits their lifestyle, and many think about their environmental footprint. Producing consumer goods on a smaller scale, which are both more personalized and more sustainable, is a challenge in an industry that is largely based on large-scale production and "one size fits all". This is where FabLabs comes into play. Precisely to try to meet consumer demand for tailored consumer goods, and a more sustainable production.

GREAT POTENTIAL

The FabLab that has now been delivered to CPI's state-of-the-art research facility is specially designed to produce liquid FMCG, while the one at SINTEF is designed for powder-based FMCG. The starting point is that the machines today support the production of specially adapted detergents, but what they are used for can easily be changed by changing modules.

The project will also identify industries that have particular market potential for specially adapted consumer goods. By demonstrating the safe and efficient operation of this machine, the conditions are created so that the small-scale production of thousands of customized products, from cosmetics, vitamins and dietary supplements to household products, snack bars and drinks is no longer a distant dream!

Learn more about the FabLabs In the video below: