Pioneering sustainable healthcare innovation
Manchester and Saraco Industries Ltd have achieved a global first in sustainable healthcare through an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) – developing a plastic-free, biodegradable disinfectant wipe that 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.
“Our progress is a result of the synergy of University and industry collaboration.”
Sarah Cartmell, Professor of Bioengineering, The University of Manchester
Driving sustainable change through innovation
Based in Bolton, Saraco Industries is 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 biodegradable, high-performance alternative. Through the KTP, the company worked with academic specialists in biomedical 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 £140 million market opportunity across the NHS and wider healthcare sectors, positioning Saraco as a leader in sustainable infection control. Beyond product innovation, the partnership has generated peer-reviewed research, a UKRI IAA Advance project, a PhD studentship, and a second KTP exploring 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 Innovate UK KTP Awards 2025, highlighting its outstanding innovation and real-world impact.
“KTP has enabled Manchester to make a tangible, positive contribution to a highly dynamic local business.”
Andrew McBain, Professor of Microbiology, The University of Manchester
Developing people and potential
At the heart of the partnership is Dr. Carolina Angulo Pineda, who joined the project as a KTP Associate and now serves as Senior R&D Materials Scientist at 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, Manchester and Saraco Industries have created more than a new product – they’ve built a model for sustainable, knowledge-driven collaboration that delivers real-world impact for business, society, and the environment.
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