The Power of Partnership: P&G’s Spruce and The Ohio State University

At Procter & Gamble, innovation thrives on collaboration and strategic partnerships. A prime example of this is the partnership between P&G and The Ohio State University (OSU) in developing Spruce, P&G’s first foray into the Lawn & Garden category. Launched in early 2025, Spruce is a hard-working, worry-free weed and grass killer designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners.

Addressing Consumer Needs

The development of Spruce was driven by a clear understanding of consumer pain points. As more people invested time and resources into their outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for effective yet safe lawn care products surged. Mary Jane Watson, a Senior Scientist at P&G, highlighted, “We identified consumer tensions around existing products. Traditional herbicides often posed safety concerns for families and pets, creating a gap in the market that Spruce aimed to fill.”

Spruce combines safety with efficacy — two qualities that have historically been at odds in the herbicide market. Watson emphasized, “The surprising part for me was that a weed killer could be safe and effective. As a homeowner, I was used to products that worked but weren’t the best for the planet. With Spruce, we wanted to ensure fast, visible results while being safe for use around people, pets, and bees when used as directed.”

A Strategic Alliance

Recognizing the need for lawn care science expertise, P&G sought a strategic partnership to bring Spruce to life, leveraging its strong chemistry expertise in the process. Prior to the project, P&G had established a Master Alliance agreement with OSU, allowing for a seamless integration of knowledge and resources. Watson explained, “The decision to enter the lawn and garden category stemmed from a strategic business initiative and we knew we needed to partner with external experts to truly deliver a superior product for our consumers.”

Dr. Doug Doohan, a professor and state specialist in OSU’s Department of Horticulture & Crop Science and a renowned weed scientist with over 40 years of experience, was identified as a key partner. Watson noted, “The weeds scientist world is rather small and intimate, and they pretty much all know each other. Doug graciously agreed and was excited to partner with P&G to develop a breakthrough product.” This collaboration allowed P&G to tap into OSU’s extensive herbicide research, enhancing the development of a solution that meets consumer needs.

The Spruce Testing Process

The partnership facilitated a robust testing framework that allowed for rapid iteration and optimization of the product. Watson stated, “We had to understand both the chemistry behind the herbicide and the biology of various weed species. This interdisciplinary approach enabled us to create a formula that effectively targets.”

The testing process was tiered, moving from cellular-level evaluations to field tests. “We developed a learning plan that allowed us to screen prototypes quickly and advance to more robust testing,” Watson explained. This meticulous approach not only accelerated time-to-market but also established credibility with retailers and consumers alike.

The partnership between P&G and OSU in developing Spruce showcases the power of collaboration in driving innovation. By combining expertise from both organizations, we created a product that meets modern consumer demands while prioritizing safety and efficacy. As Spruce continues to make its mark in the Lawn & Garden category, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders come together to solve real-world challenges.

Mary Jane Watson: An Innovator’s Journey

Mary Jane Watson’s journey as an innovator at P&G is an inspiring testament to the impact of collaboration and expertise. With nearly 30 years of experience at the company, Watson played a pivotal role in various product developments across categories such as Fabric Care and Hair Care.

Her passion for learning and innovation has been a driving force throughout her career. “I love learning and being on steep learning curves,” she shared. “One of the most rewarding parts of my P&G career has been learning from and collaborating with experts across the globe, both internal and external to P&G.” Her involvement in the Spruce project exemplifies her commitment to addressing consumer needs through partnership.

Watson believes that recognizing one’s limitations and seeking external partnerships is crucial for success in innovation. “Being humble and knowing where your expertise ends and someone else’s begins is key,” she stated. Her journey at P&G has not only been about developing products but also about mentoring others. She actively supports new hires and those with entry-level experience, helping them navigate their careers within the company.

As Spruce continues to make an impact in the Lawn & Garden category, Watson’s story underscores the importance of collaboration, mentorship and a commitment to innovation in driving meaningful change.