It will support Johnson Matthey’s research focus on both light and heavy duty vehicle emission control and on developing catalyst technologies that meet stricter emission standards that are coming into force in the next few years. The research will also support work in advanced platinum group metal refining technology and in developing more environmentally friendly materials for applications ranging from glass to electronics.

The European Investment Bank loan will be used to support work at Johnson Matthey’s Sonning Common, Berkshire and Billingham, Teeside, R&D centers over the next two years. Specific research and development activity by Johnson Matthey’s Environmental Technologies Division and other business units will cover process catalysis, fuel cells, emission control catalysts and low carbon technology. This will also include research collaboration with universities, research centers and business partners.

More than £21 billion (US$34 billion) in loans have been provided for UK-based projects over the last five years, including support for development of low emission engines with JaguarLandRover and electric battery research with Nissan UK.