Since enzymes are active at much lower temperatures than the chemicals traditionally used in industry, the amount of energy consumed in processes in which enzymes are used is much lower.

This is great news for the environment because energy production is one of the main sources of global atmospheric pollution: power stations release huge quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere.

If everyone in Denmark washed their clothes at 40°C, the environment would be spared around 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by 10,000 cars driving right around the world.

Besides these environmental benefits, lower washing temperatures save consumers money. A kilo of enzyme is enough for 2,200 washes at 40°C. The cost of 2,200 washes is DKK 6,890 at 95°C and DKK 2,340 at 40°C, so washing at 95°C is almost three times more expensive in terms of electricity.