Professional guide

Enzymes explained

As enzymes are increasingly displacing chemicals in the production phase of textiles as an eco-alternative and those who embrace organic standards to a certain degree are sceptical to this development, an explanation is appropriate.

So here are som hard facts:

How enzymes work
Enzymes are natural catalysts which are present in all living organisms. This means that all the functions of living organisms are inextricably linked to the activity of enzymes. They enable complex reactions to proceed at the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Individual enzymes are highly specific and work only on a very limited range of substrate, but they function both inside and outside living cells. As proteins, enzymes lose their catalytic properties if heated or subjected to other conditions which denature the protein. There are also biotechnology and environmental benefits

As enzymes can often replace harsh chemicals and help save water, energy and raw materials, they have a positive impact on the environment

Man's use of enzyme reactions dates back to antiquity. The making of cheese, vinegar and wine, the leavening of bread, and the brewing of beer are all enzymatic processes which have their origins in prehistory. In the past few decades industries have increased their use of enzymes and enzymes are now widely used in many different sectors. As enzymes can often replace harsh chemicals and help save water, energy and raw materials, they have a positive impact on the environment. What is more, enzymes are completely biodegradable and have no harmful effects in waste water treatment plants or in the aquatic environment at large.

Benefits of using modern biotechnology
In the genetic material of all living cells, a single gene contains the code for the production of a particular enzyme or other protein. Through genetic engineering genes from one type of organism can be transferred to another. In this way, the desired amounts of naturally occurring enzymes can be produced in microorganisms that are suitable for large-scale controlled fermentation. The use of genetic engineering in fermentation technology offers a number of clear benefits for both the environment and consumers, such as lower consumption of raw materials, water and energy.

No health risk
Novozymes uses only well-known and safe microorganisms for enzyme production. Genetic engineering is applied only to benefit optimally from production plants and raw materials, which is a clear advantage for the environment.  During the production process the enzyme products are recovered from the genetically modified organisms (GMO) and purified. Therefore there are no GMOs present in Novozymes’ enzyme products.

Moreover, Novozymes' production activities are approved and closely regulated and monitored by the Danish environmental authorities. Encapsulated or liquid enzymes can therefore be handled conveniently and safely. If handled properly they present no health risk to employees in enzyme production or detergent manufacturing plants, and they present no risk to the final consumer either.

Photo: ©Novozymes 2009