Enzymes are biological catalysts with an enormous capacity to increase the speed of biochemical reactions. They are developed during millions of years of evolution, and are known from any living organism. In our own bodies they play an essential role in for instance degrading the food we eat.
Enzymes are proteins. They are everywhere in nature and can be degraded easily in natural environments as well as in waste water treatment facilities.
Enzymes are produced by microbial fermentation by Novozymes and many industries take advantage of the nature’s “workmanship” by using them in their production.
The immediate benefit of enzyme application is reduced production costs due to avoided raw-material, chemical and energy expenditures. In the broader perspective, however, the enzymes also help industries producing more useful products with fewer and less toxic inputs and hence reduced impact on the environment.
Small quantities of enzyme provide in many cases the same function as large quantities of raw-materials, chemicals, energy and water.
The environmental impacts caused by enzyme production are usually small compared with the avoided impacts due savings of chemicals, raw-material and energy. Use of enzymatic solutions as alternative to conventional solutions can, therefore, in many cases contribute to a sustainable development of individual industries as well as our society.