Home Care I&I Application Laboratory – Cologne, Germany

The Home Care I&I application laboratory in Cologne opened in 2016, forming the core of our expansive global technical network. It was the first laboratory of its kind to support the need of our home care and I&I customers. In 2026, we relocated this laboratory expanding our capacities for technical formulation development, application-focused training, and close collaboration with customers and partners.

Our application laboratory is staffed by a team of technical experts dedicated to collaboration. We work with manufacturers of Home Care I&I products to develop solutions that benefit people and the planet, while maintaining performance standards. Our IMCD professionals provide formulation guidance, analytical testing, consultations and technical exchange to drive innovation.

Our on-site performance testing and unparalleled industry knowledge enable us to enhance the performance of our partners. We identify trends and develop our own sustainable solutions to showcase what´s possible to our customers.

How can we support you?

Core Competencies

Formulation support and advice
Performance testing
Frame formulations
Prototypes (Ready-to-use sample)
Comparative benchmark studies
Raw material technical assistance
Product targeting
Technical training for our customers
Market insights and trend knowledge

Major Equipment

Washing machines
- (2 Miele W 1935 + 6 Miele WCI360WPS-WTL D LW)
Compact laundry assessment equipment (Rotawash)
Spin dryer
Spectrophotometer
Softness test kit (CFT)
Automatic dishwashers (3 Miele GSL 2)
Water-hardness control system
Wet abrasion scrub tester
Drop shape analyser
Moisture analyser
Climatic chambers
Major Propeller electronic agitators
Major Magnetic stirrers with heating
Viscosimeter
pH meter

Applications

Laundry
Dish
Surface
Vehicle
Air

Meet our team

Our creative and highly competent technical and commercial experts are here to support your business development. We combine in-depth local market knowledge with our technical expertise, which enables us to collaborate with you and assist in finding solutions to your most pressing needs. We strive to improve cleaning performance and well-being, whilst remaining focused on the need to use more sustainable ingredients to meet your market and application needs. Our aim is to consecutively improve efficacy and efficiency.