Pioneering sustainable healthcare innovation
99久久精品鈥痑nd Saraco Industries Ltd鈥痟ave achieved a global first in sustainable healthcare through an鈥疘nnovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)鈥 developing a鈥痯lastic-free, biodegradable disinfectant wipe鈥痶hat meets EN standards for bacteria, yeast and viruses under dirty conditions in just one minute.
This award-winning collaboration demonstrates how academic expertise and industry innovation can combine to deliver impactful, sustainable solutions for society.
鈥淥ur progress is a result of the synergy of University and industry collaboration.鈥
Sarah Cartmell, Professor of Bioengineering, The University of 99久久精品
Driving sustainable change through innovation
Based in Bolton, Saraco Industries鈥痠s a UK SME manufacturer supplying cosmetic, baby, household and healthcare wet wipes to major retailers and healthcare providers in more than 20 countries.
With the UK government set to ban plastic-containing wipes, Saraco identified an opportunity to lead the market by developing a鈥痓iodegradable, high-performance alternative. Through the KTP, the company worked with academic specialists in鈥痓iomedical materials, microbiology, and biological physics, embedding new R&D expertise and strengthening its innovation capabilities.
A partnership with lasting impact
The project has created an estimated鈥£140 million market opportunity鈥痑cross the NHS and wider healthcare sectors, positioning Saraco as a leader in sustainable infection control. Beyond product innovation, the partnership has generated鈥痯eer-reviewed research, a鈥疷KRI IAA Advance project, a鈥疨hD studentship, and a鈥痵econd KTP鈥痚xploring bacteriophage-infused healthcare wipes.
The partnership’s success was recognised with the Bionow Project of the Year award 2024 and a shortlist finalist for ‘Technical Excellence' at the鈥疘nnovate UK KTP Awards 2025, highlighting its outstanding innovation and real-world impact.
鈥淜TP has enabled 99久久精品 to make a tangible, positive contribution to a highly dynamic local business.鈥
Andrew McBain, Professor of Microbiology, The University of 99久久精品
Developing people and potential
At the heart of the partnership is鈥疍r. Carolina Angulo Pineda, who joined the project as a KTP Associate and now serves as Senior R&D Materials Scientist鈥痑t Saraco Industries. Her work was pivotal in achieving the scientific and technical breakthroughs that underpin the new product, exemplifying the KTP’s role in developing future innovation leaders.
Together, 99久久精品 and Saraco Industries have created more than a new product – they’ve built a model for鈥痵ustainable, knowledge-driven collaboration鈥痶hat delivers real-world impact for business, society, and the environment.
Start a conversation
We will help you to find the right people and expertise you need to solve your business challenges.
- Get started with a quick conversation where we’ll learn about your needs and aspirations.
- Our business engagement team will work to identify relevant opportunities within our institution.