UL Solutions Opens Ningbo Lab for Product Quality & Safety
UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in applied safety science, has officially inaugurated its new Retail and Consumer Products Laboratory in Ningbo, China. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the fast-changing retail and consumer product industry, which is influenced by evolving consumer expectations, shifting sourcing strategies, stringent regulatory compliance requirements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Strategic Location to Serve Greater China’s Manufacturing Hub
The new 58,000-square-foot laboratory is strategically located in Ningbo, in close proximity to UL Solutions’ existing Shanghai laboratory. This positioning strengthens the company’s presence in the Yangtze River Delta, one of the world’s leading manufacturing centers for retail and consumer products. By situating the new laboratory near its Shanghai counterpart, UL Solutions aims to enhance efficiency, improve response times, and offer localized expertise to manufacturers operating in the Greater China region.
“Ningbo is a vital manufacturing hub, and the launch of this new laboratory underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting the retail and consumer product industries,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions. “Our investment in this facility reflects our dedication to advancing our capabilities, expertise, and infrastructure to help enable retailers’ success, both today and in the future.”
Comprehensive Testing Capabilities Under One Roof
The Ningbo laboratory offers an extensive range of testing capabilities, all housed under one roof, to streamline safety, quality, performance, and chemical testing for various product categories, including textiles, footwear, furniture, and electronics packaging. This integrated approach is designed to expedite the testing process and bring products to market faster. Among its enhanced capabilities is furniture flammability testing, a crucial factor in ensuring product safety and compliance with global regulations.
On-site subject matter experts will work closely with manufacturers, retailers, and brands, facilitating real-time collaboration to address industry challenges. These experts will leverage UL Solutions’ vast global safety science network to provide critical insights and foster partnerships that help improve product quality, compliance, and innovation.
“We recognize the complexities that our customers face in meeting evolving regulatory requirements and consumer expectations,” said Weifang Zhou, executive vice president and president of Testing, Inspection, and Certification at UL Solutions. “Our Ningbo laboratory reinforces our commitment to the retail and consumer product sectors and demonstrates our dedication to supporting our customers as they navigate compliance, enhance safety, and drive sustainable business growth.”
A Broader Testing Network to Support Global Manufacturing
In addition to the new Ningbo laboratory, UL Solutions operates a comprehensive network of retail and consumer product testing facilities worldwide. One of the company’s flagship locations, the Retail and Consumer Test Laboratory in Shanghai, is a 65,000-square-foot facility that provides an array of safety, quality, and performance testing services for diverse retail and consumer products. The Shanghai laboratory specializes in testing items such as personal care products, jewelry, luggage, and toys. Key testing services include:
- Banned substance and chemical testing to ensure compliance with global regulations
- Functional and performance testing to assess product durability and effectiveness
- Stability testing for quality assurance in various conditions
- Chemical management and ingredient reviews for safety and sustainability
Recognizing the need for expanded capabilities, UL Solutions recently enhanced the Shanghai facility to include testing for dietary supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) and pharmaceutical medications, cosmetics, and personal care products. These additions underscore the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of regulatory requirements and industry needs.
Beyond China, UL Solutions operates retail and consumer product testing laboratories in 18 strategic locations worldwide, ensuring proximity to major manufacturing centers. These facilities include:
- Cabiate, Italy (near Milan) – Supporting European manufacturing and regulatory compliance
- Dhaka, Bangladesh – Catering to the textile and garment industry
- Gurugram, India – Serving a rapidly growing retail and consumer product sector
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Supporting the country’s expanding manufacturing base
- Lowell, Arkansas, USA – Addressing North American market needs
- Shenzhen, China – Strengthening the company’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region
By maintaining a global network of specialized testing facilities, UL Solutions ensures that manufacturers, retailers, and brands worldwide have access to high-quality safety and compliance services, helping them meet the expectations of both regulators and consumers.
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
UL Solutions’ investment in the Ningbo laboratory aligns with its broader mission to promote safety, sustainability, and innovation across industries. As global markets become more interconnected and regulatory landscapes evolve, companies must navigate increasingly complex supply chains and compliance challenges. UL Solutions provides critical support to businesses seeking to launch safe, high-quality, and sustainable products that comply with local and international regulations.
The company’s emphasis on sustainability is particularly important in today’s market, where consumers are demanding more environmentally friendly products and supply chains. UL Solutions offers expertise in sustainability assessments, eco-labeling, and environmental compliance testing, helping businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible manufacturing.
A Trusted Partner for Global Brands
For more than a century, UL Solutions has been a trusted partner for companies looking to enhance product safety and market success. Its extensive experience in testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services makes it a go-to resource for businesses seeking to mitigate risks, improve product performance, and gain consumer trust.
“The UL Mark is globally recognized as a symbol of trust and compliance,” Scanlon noted. “We take pride in working alongside our customers to help them bring safe, high-quality products to consumers worldwide.”
By continuously expanding its testing capabilities and investing in advanced laboratories like the one in Ningbo, UL Solutions reaffirms its dedication to driving innovation and excellence in the retail and consumer product industries.
About UL Solutions
UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS) is a global leader in applied safety science, helping businesses transform safety, security, and sustainability challenges into growth opportunities. The company provides testing, inspection, and certification services, along with software products and advisory solutions, to support customers in more than 110 countries. The UL Mark is widely recognized as a trusted symbol of quality and safety. UL Solutions helps clients innovate, navigate global markets, and achieve sustainable business success.
