In focus: Ingredients

AB Enzymes is working to develop enzymes which can be used instead of chemicals. Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins which enable biological reactions to occur in temperatures and conditions that would not otherwise be possible. Moreover, as enzymes are produced with the help of micro-organisms such as bacteria or moulds, the production process (fermentation) is significantly less harmful to the environment than the production of chemicals. This means that enzymes can replace harsh chemicals and organic solvents, and reduce energy use and waste effluent.

For example, AB Enzymes has introduced a novel heat-stable enzyme for the animal feed industry which releases the organic phosphorus in the feed, making it available for animals such as pigs and poultry through their diet. Less inorganic phosphorus now needs to be added to the feed, and more importantly, less organic phosphorus is emitted into the environment by the animals. This new enzyme provides customers with improved processability, excellent performance and a smaller ecological footprint.