Biotechnology reduces CO2 emissions

Novozymes' technology can help break the curve of resource consumption and CO2 emissions by rethinking traditional industrial processes. Small amounts of enzymes can often reduce the need for raw materials and water and make production more efficient.

In 2008 CO₂ emissions of around 28 million tons were avoided due to the application of enzymes sold by Novozymes in comparison with traditional processes. This is roughly the same as saving the world from CO₂ emissions of 6 million regular cars. In perspective, it costs Novozymes including our energy and ingredient suppliers approx. 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions to produce this saving. It means that CO₂ emissions in enzyme production are compensated for by the much larger reduction in CO₂ achieved by customers using the enzymes.

Calculating carbon footprint

Novozymes carbon footprint is calculated on the basis of conventional Product Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) that documents the environmental impacts during the entire life of a product (from cradle to grave). It has undergone third party review. At Novozymes we use LCA to assess and compare the environmental impact of enzymatic and conventional solutions. The LCAs that we have carried out show that products particular driving reductions in CO₂ emissions are:

· Fuel ethanol enzymes because they help save fossil fuels

· Feed enzymes because they help save animal feed starch

· Textile and brewing because they help save energy and raw materials in industrial production