The three new brands – UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions – will help to “clarify the unique role that each organization plays,” UL said in a statement.
UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are both nonprofits. UL Research Institutes conducts independent research into ongoing and emerging human safety risks, while UL Standards & Engagement oversees standards-related public-private partnerships, and translates data and safety science research into safety standards.
The commercial arm of the organization – UL Solutions - delivers testing, inspection and certification services.
UL was founded in the US in 1894 by an electrical engineer William Henry Merrill. For most of the 20th century it was known as Underwriters Laboratories.
“Our expertise in safety science has enabled the advancement of the human experience, including safety at work and home, for more than 128 years,” said James Shannon, board chairman, UL Research Institutes and UL Solutions.
“While the brands signify a new era for each of our organizations, we share a history and the UL and Underwriters Laboratories names, which are synonymous with safety science leadership. Our brands may be evolving, but our commitment to working for a safer world is constant.”
The rebranding won’t impact the existing UL Certification Marks, which will remain unchanged, the company said.