What are Life Cycle Assessments?
In Novozymes we use Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to assess the environmental impacts of our solutions covering the entire life cycle from cradle to grave – from raw material extraction, through production, use, and transport, to final disposal or recycling. By using LCAs, we can help build and validate sustainability claims for our customers as well.
LCAs: Environmental assessment from “cradle to grave”

Developing LCAs at Novozymes
To understand the relative benefits of using Novozymes enzymatic solutions, our LCA studies compare the environmental impact of both conventional and enzyme-assisted solutions delivering the same benefit to users across various industries, agriculture, and/or in private homes.
LCA studies are usually completed in collaboration with customers and based on data from customers’ specific applications of Novozymes’ technology. The findings of such a study can be used directly for developing communication and green claims related to the proven benefits.
Published LCAs
Enzymes in general
- Environmental assessment of enzyme use in industrial production - a literature overview | Journal of Cleaner Production (2012)
- Cradle-to-gate assessment of industrial enzymes produced by Novozymes in Denmark | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2007)
Animal Feed
- Environmental assessment of amylase used in chicken production in Brazil | Sustainability (2018)
- Making feed more sustainable | DSM and Novozymes (2017)
- Profitable protease benefits the environment | All About Feed (2012)
- Use of a protease in poultry feed offers promising environmental benefits | International Journal of Poultry Science (2011)
- Environmental advantages of phytase over inorganic phosphate in poultry feed | Poultry Punch (2011)
- Environmental assessment of xylanase used in pig production | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2008)
- Environmental assessment of phytase as an alternative to inorganic phosphate in pig feed | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2006)
Bioethanol
- Life cycle assessment of cereal cropping systems – including use of straw for bioethanol production | DCA - Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture
Appendix: Greenhouse Gas Calculator
Cosmetics
- Biocatalysis – A sustainable method for the production of emollient esters | International Journal for Applied Science (2008)
Food & Beverages
- Socioeconomic assessment of reducing population’s salt intake with meat protein extracts | Sustainability (2012)
- Comparative LCA of malt-based beer and 100% barley beer | Brewing & Beverage Industry International (2010)
Also available: Full LCA report, Chinese version, Spanish version - Environmental assessment of the use of phospholipase in mozzarella cheese production | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2009)
- Environmental assessment of enzymatic processing of oils and fats | Inform (2008)
- Environment as a new perspective on the use of enzymes in the food industry | Food Science & Technology (2008)
Household Care
- Compact detergents in China - A step towards more sustainable laundry | Household and Personal Care Today (2013)
- Environmental benefits of compacted detergents in China (in Chinese) | China Cleaning Industry (2013)
- Taking steps towards a phosphate-free future – Comparing the environmental impacts of alternative builder systems with enzymes | Household and Personal Care Today (2012)
Leather
- Comparative LCA of soaking and unhairing with X-Zyme | International Leather Maker (2017)
Pulp & Paper
- Environmental assessment of enzyme assisted processing in pulp and paper industry | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2008)
Textiles
- Extended lifetime of cotton clothing with biopolishing | International Dyer (2015)
- 牛仔退浆酵洗一浴法工艺 | Garment Washing (2014) - 服装水洗
- Environmental assessment of combined bioblasting (biopolishing) concept | International Dyer (2013)
- Environmental assessment of combined denim washing process | International Dyer (2012)
- Clean water wanted – and enzymes can contribute to the solution | Impact (2010)