Huddersfield-based James Robinson Ltd, which has also achieved a Queen's Award for Enterprise - Innovation has been commended for developing a range of patent protected photochromic dyes for ophthalmic lenses.
The new dyes react to changes in the intensity of ambient light and are used mainly in the production of photochromatic spectacle lenses which are transparent in poor light conditions but become progressively darker as sunlight increases.
The innovation, which is the result of complex research, is a substantial improvement on older mixed dye technologies which were bedevilled by unpredictable colour changes and sub-optimal performances.
Other applications of the product range from children's dolls that become browner when placed outdoors to anti-counterfeiting devices.
James Robinson produces and markets a large range of dyes under the Reversacol name, including over 20 colours. There is also a range of single molecule photochromic greys, which offer a neutral colour without the need to mix several dyes.
James Robinson employs 59 people and its parent company is Yule Catto plc, a British speciality chemicals business.
Huddersfield-based James Robinson Ltd, which has also achieved a Queen's Award for Enterprise - Innovation has been commended for developing a range of patent protected photochromic dyes for ophthalmic lenses.
