At Esseco UK, innovation starts with listening.
Product development here is not just about creating new formulas, but about understanding customer needs, anticipating challenges, and combining performance with sustainability.
“Our R&D approach is built on collaboration, technical excellence, and a long-term vision.”
This philosophy is reflected in the work of Alistair McConnell, Development Chemist, who has been part of Esseco UK since 2009.
“We don’t create products in a vacuum,” Alistair explains. “We work closely with customers to ensure our solutions solve real-world problems — often before they even know what they need.”
SafeGrip® ECO2: A Benchmark in Innovation
A case in point is SafeGrip® ECO2, a high-performance anti-icer and de-icer that represents one of Esseco UK’s most significant product innovations.
Its patented formulation combines multiple active ingredients to extend the duration of surface protection, meaning less product is needed to achieve the same result — up to 2–3 times longer effectiveness compared to conventional products.
“SafeGrip® ECO2 is more than just a product — it’s a solution designed to last longer, perform better, and reduce environmental impact,” Alistair says.
Continuous Improvement of Existing Solutions
Alongside major breakthroughs like SafeGrip® ECO2, the R&D team focuses on refining existing products in response to customer requirements.
“Sometimes customers need a solution tailored to their process,” Alistair notes. “In one recent project, we worked with a major client to significantly reduce an impurity in our product — well below their target threshold — by adjusting our process parameters.”
This ability to listen and adapt is what keeps Esseco UK competitive, ensuring products meet not only regulatory standards but also the evolving expectations of customers.
Maximising New Technologies
The installation of the new sulphur burner has introduced greater flexibility in manufacturing, enabling consistent product quality and creating opportunities for downstream chemistry.
“We now have the capacity to go beyond intermediates,” Alistair explains. “This means we can transform base chemicals into functional products, bringing more value to customers while improving safety, quality, and efficiency.”
These process improvements are not just operational gains — they align with Esseco UK’s commitment to environmental responsibility, reducing waste and optimising energy use.
Creating Ready-to-Use Solutions
The R&D team also tracks market trends and customer workflows to design ready-to-use solutions that integrate seamlessly into industrial and infrastructure operations.
“Ease of application is increasingly important,” says Alistair. “Our goal is to simplify processes for customers without compromising on performance or compliance.”
Every new raw material source is subjected to strict testing and validation, ensuring consistency and safety. Where necessary, processes are adapted to accommodate new inputs, improving resilience and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Innovation at Esseco UK is a continuous journey. With new concepts like Eco3 in the early stages of development, the R&D team is already exploring the next leap forward in performance and environmental impact.
“We see product development as an ongoing conversation — with customers, with technology, and with the environment,” Alistair concludes.
“Our job is to keep refining, adapting, and creating solutions that meet the real demands of the world around us.”
