Unilever has spent the past 70 years delivering groundbreaking advancements to the hair care market, yet the UK-based consumer goods giant says there is more to be done.
Much of this innovation is taking place at Port Sunlight, an important hub for Unilever in Wirral, UK, which is home to its advanced manufacturing and R&D – with around 2,000 employees working across both parts of the site.
In 2026, Unilever completed a £150m investment in its Port Sunlight site, which aims to “strengthen” the company’s UK supply chain from manufacturing through to delivery.
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The investment included manufacturing upgrades across its home care operations and a new advanced automated distribution centre.
But it is hair care which has seen some of the largest advancements, claims Jason Harcup, Chief R&D Officer, Beauty and Wellbeing Division, Unilever.
“From a science and R&D point of view, [the focus on hair care] completely aligned with the business,” says Harcup.
“We are trying to premiumise actually with a fair amount of success into different formats.”
Cosmetics Business visited Port Sunlight for an intimate view of Unilever's factory and how it is fueling its ever-expanding hair care capabilities. Read on to find out more.
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