Suzano Breaks Ground on Its Innovability Hub Development in Shanghai, China
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Suzano started construction of an "Innovability Hub" at the Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai, China. This is Suzano's first R&D and innovation center in Asia.
With an investment of over US$10 million, the Innovability Hub will mainly consist of an advanced laboratory, an interactive experience center and various collaboration spaces.
"Chinese demand for hardwood pulp is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. Suzano is well placed to deliver on the organic growth opportunity with our extensive commercial ties in China," said Walter Schalka, CEO of Suzano. "As a company, we are hugely committed to ongoing R&D in sustainable innovation, and our Innovability Hub is the next step for us as we prioritize nature-based solutions which align with China's 2060 Carbon Neutrality target."
Suzano explained that the word "Innovability" stands for the pursuit of sustainable solutions through innovation, a core concept which Suzano's business strategy is founded on.
"China is now transitioning from a high-speed growth economy to a high-quality growth economy, with a clear focus on creating a greener future," said Pablo Machado, President of Asia Business (Beyond Pulp) at Suzano. "With the new hub in place, we expect to be better positioned to collaborate with our stakeholders in China and abroad in the development of innovative bio-based materials and solutions to support China's ambitious goals towards the low carbon economy, as well as foster open innovation within our industry."
Once it opens, the Innovability Hub will not only be a center that caters to local customers' evolving needs on existing products and applications, but will also become a development base for new bio-based materials and applications, all of which are derived from Suzano's scientifically cultivated and managed eucalyptus farms — a renewable and natural resource.
The Innovability Hub is also aimed at learning Chinese innovation initiatives that may be applied to Suzano's businesses and adapting them across other regions. By promoting knowledge and sharing experiences at the company's new facility, Suzano expects to form closer relationships with its stakeholders in China and even attract attention from further afield across the globe.
The hub's experience center will allow visitors to get a glimpse of Suzano's major innovative and sustainable developments worldwide, while the collaboration areas will provide space for in-depth open innovation discussions.
Construction of the new Innovability Hub is expected to be completed by the first half of 2023.
