James Robinson Speciality Ingredients Enters into Strategic Alliance with SDC Technologies for Photochromic Dyes

Huddersfield, United Kingdom – 29 August 2024

James Robinson Speciality Ingredients (JRSI), a recognised global leader in speciality ingredients and chemistries, announces a strategic alliance with SDC Technologies (SDC) via the sale and exclusive licensing of the Intellectual Property (comprehensive patent portfolio) of its high-performance photochromic dyes. SDC is a recognised global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance speciality coatings. Photochromic dyes are compounds that change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light and are primarily used for eyewear applications such as ophthalmic lenses, visors, face shields and goggles. This alliance enhances and strengthens JRSI’s Reversacol™ offerings in the photochromic market.

“SDC has been a long-standing customer of JRSI, and it is great to see this relationship grow. This is a vital and beneficial agreement for our company as well,” said Sanketh Varalwar, CEO of James Robinson Speciality Ingredients. “JRSI will continue to manufacture, develop and sell next generation photochromic dyes with exclusivity from SDC. It will be business as usual for our existing and future customers without interruption to our business continuity. This collaboration will accelerate and enhance product advancements in Photochromics,” added Mr. Varalwar.

“We are delighted to have access to the entire patent portfolio of James Robinson Speciality Ingredient’s (JRSI) photochromic dyes, the innovative leader in their field,” said Richard Chang, President and CEO of SDC Technologies. “This expands our commitment as a total vision care solution provider to advance the ophthalmic industry with groundbreaking, complementary technologies, particularly in the photochromic market.”

“With this alliance, our photochromic system now includes CrystalChrome® photochromic coatings and primers available in dip, flow, and spin applications, combined with our subsidiary Coburn Technologies’ acclaimed spin coating photochromic equipment, designed to transform any lens, now complete with best-in-class photochromic dyes,” added Mr. Chang. “Furthermore, JRSI’s vision on developing sustainable products aligns with our environmental policies,” Mr. Chang concluded.