James Robinson Speciality Ingredients Ltd (JRSI), founded in 1840, is a UK-based manufacturer of specialty chemicals with a focus on the personal care and photochromics industries. Headquartered in Manchester with R&D hubs in the UK and manufacturing in India, the company develops and produces high-performance ingredients including hair dyes under the Jarocol brand and photochromic dyes under the Reversacol brand.
Originally producing natural dyes from lichens, JRSI transitioned to synthetic dyes, sulfur dyes, and specialty chemicals for applications in cosmetics, hair care, skincare actives, and ophthalmic lenses. Its portfolio encompasses synthetic and natural technologies, supported by a global distribution network serving clients from independent producers to multinational brands.
Registered in Huddersfield since 1901, JRSI operates in the manufacture of dyes, pigments, inorganic basic chemicals, and other chemical products. Following a 2019 management buyout, it launched the Biotome biotechnology R&D division in 2021 to develop sustainable ingredients for hair and skin care.
