Dr. Phil Souter, a Senior Director and Scientist working in our Laundry Research & Development Team at Newcastle Innovation Centre, has received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to Medical Research.
Phil, who has dedicated his career to creating superior laundry technologies, pioneered a water cleaning treatment technology. The innovation, known as P&G Purifier of Water, transforms 10 liters of dirty, contaminated water in under 30 minutes—rendering it drinkable using only a bucket, a spoon and a cloth.
P&G’s Purifier of Water has since enabled P&G to provide 20 billion litres of clean water in over 90 countries around the world, as part of our Children’s Safe Drinking Water program.
The inability to access clean drinking water affects billions of people around the world. Phil’s invention has helped keep people healthy—enabling education and economic opportunity. It’s a shining example of how P&Gers can be both a Force for Growth and a Force for Good—harnessing our superior innovation capabilities to have an immensely positive impact in society.
Phil’s impact is both near- and far-reaching. His discovery has enabled P&G to set the ambitious target of delivering 25 billion liters of clean drinking water by 2025, and he continues mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists both within and outside of our organization.
We couldn’t be prouder of all that Phil has achieved—this recognition is hugely well-deserved.
