Founded on over 200 years of innovation, Reckitt is today a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of cleaning, hygiene and health products. This Anglo-Dutch company, born of the merger between Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser in 1999, is committed to providing solutions that improve everyday life. Through extensive scientific research and an approach focused on social responsibility, Reckitt continues to innovate to meet consumer needs while preserving the environment.
Reckitt 's history dates back to the 19th century, when Isaac Reckitt founded a cleaning products business in the UK. Reckitt & Sons soon expanded by opening subsidiaries around the world, including in Australia, where the first international presence was established. In 1888, Reckitt & Sons was listed on the London Stock Exchange, confirming its ambition for growth and its place in the fabric of British industry.
Meanwhile, Benckiser, a German company founded in 1823, initially specialized in chemicals, before diversifying into consumer goods and industrial cleaning products. This development accelerated in the 1980s, when the brand acquired several companies in Europe and North America, consolidating its position on the international market.
In 1999, Reckitt & Colman and Benckiser merged to create Reckitt Benckiser, a world leader in household, hygiene and health products. The merger marks the start of a new era, in which the company focuses on innovation and diversification to conquer new markets.
2006 marks an important milestone for Reckitt Benckiser, with the acquisition of Boots Healthcare International. This strategic acquisition enabled the company to broaden its portfolio of healthcare products, notably with solutions for muscular pain and sore throats. Thanks to this operation, Reckitt asserts its position in the over-the-counter pharmaceutical market.
In 2010, the brand further strengthened its presence in the medical sector with the acquisition of SSL International, owner of the Durex and Scholl brands. This investment is part of a diversification strategy aimed at meeting consumer needs in terms of well-being and protection.
Reckitt continued its expansion in 2012 with the acquisition of Schiff Nutrition, a company specializing in dietary supplements. This acquisition enables the brand to integrate nutrition and preventive health solutions into its portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding consumers' well-being.
In 2017, Reckitt Benckiser finalized the acquisition of Mead Johnson Nutrition, a major player in infant formula. This strategic acquisition, valued at nearly $16.6 billion, marks a significant step forward for Reckitt in the specialized nutrition market for infants and young children.
In 2021, the Group will adopt a new identity, renaming itself simply Reckitt, a change that reflects its ambition for continuous modernization and innovation. This new image also accompanies the implementation of strategies focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
Innovation is at the heart of Reckitt's strategy. Through advanced technologies such as Cycle Sync Technology, used in Finish tablets, or intelligent polymers for greener packaging, the brand is constantly seeking to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its products.
As part of its eco-responsible approach, Reckitt implements sustainable solutions, notably by integrating recycled plastics into its packaging and optimizing its manufacturing processes to reduce its carbon footprint. Protecting public health also remains a priority, with a range of antiseptic and antibacterial products that contribute to a healthier environment.
Choosing Reckitt means choosing a trusted brand, rooted in a tradition of excellence and innovation. Thanks to advanced scientific expertise and a strong environmental commitment, Reckitt guarantees effective, safe products adapted to modern needs. Whether for daily hygiene, well-being or health, Reckitt does its utmost to protect what really matters.
