In honor of Earth Week, take a look at some eco-friendly advances in biotechnology.

2. 1. Renewable fuel
Ethanol fuel produced from biomass or starch is clean-burning and eco-friendly. Using this
biofuel to replace fossil fuels is one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Genencor’s Accellerase is an enzyme that assists in the production of cellulosic ethanol. These
enzymes break down starch into sugars, which are then fermented by yeast to create ethanol.
Accellerase allows for faster fermentations, which can increase ethanol yield at a lower price.
Genencor used its enzyme technology in working with the U.S. Department of Energy’s
National Renewable Energy Laboratory to help reduce costs of making renewable fuel.

3. 2. Textile processing
Textile processing today requires high temperatures and harsh chemicals to
remove impurities. This process uses a lot of energy and water. Enzymes
allow the same process to be done in low temperatures and without
corrosive chemicals.
Denim manufacturers use Genencor’s PrimaGreen enzymes to create an
“aged” look, while also cutting water by more than 60 percent and energy
usage by more than 70 percent compared to regular processing.

4. 3. Eco-friendly detergents
Enzyme innovation enables consumers to
wash laundry and dishes at low
temperatures and in shorter cycles,
reducing the use of energy and water
substantially, but still retaining the same
wash performance and results. This is
especially important as water is becoming a
scarce commodity in some geographies.
These detergent enzymes also reduce the
need for phosphates that can upset aquatic
ecosystems.

5. 4. Fresher foods
Households generate over one-third of all
food waste in the world, with vegetables,
dairy and bread being the top-wasted
products. Stale bread is often discarded
when it is technically still edible.
Enzymes like Danisco’s POWERfresh can
modify the amylopectin in flour starch during
baking, making soft, resilient and cohesive
bread with a longer shelf life.

6. 5. Paper production
Enzymes can help reduce processing
times, environmental impact and the
amount of chemicals used in the production
of pulp and paper.
Genencor’s enzymes help improve
efficiency and decrease waste products.

7. 6. Biochemicals
Genencor has created an alternative to
petrochemically derived isoprene, a key
intermediate for synthetic rubber
production. Genencor and Goodyear
are collaborating to create
BioIsoprene™ which helps create tires
from renewable resources. Aside
from synthetic rubber for tire
production, traditional isoprene is used
for the production of a wide range of
products, such as surgical gloves, golf
balls and adhesives, so the potential for
BioIsoprene™ is substantial.

8. 7. Animal feed
Adding enzymes, like Danisco’s
Phyzyme , Avizyme and Porzyme, to
animal feed helps break down
complex food molecules into smaller
components in the gut. This creates
lower feed costs for the producer, and
reduced outputs of phosphorus and
nitrogen (which can destroy aquatic life
and have negative effects on human
health). This allows for more effective
on-farm nutrient management, resulting
in a cleaner environment.

9. 8. Reusing byproducts
Oils recovered from grain processing can be reused for
cooking oil or diesel fuels. Enzymes that are used in raw
material processing (such as soy or rice), help
breakdown proteins and fibers, which helps facilitate the
recovery of these oils. Genencor’s Spezyme can be used
to help recover these byproducts to convert corn, wheat,
and other starches to sweeteners for soft drinks.

10. 9. Bioremediation
It’s been more than 40 years since
soldiers have been provided with a new
or improved method of decontamination
against chemical and biological
warfare. As a last resort, they have had
to use soap and water. Genencor’s
Defenz enzymes are an effective
decontamination with a long shelf-life
and the solution works across all
environments and conditions.

11. 10. Efficient brewing & distilling
Brewers can use enzymes to help improve filtration when
brewing and distilling beer, which helps optimize the use
of raw materials. Danisco’s Diazyme X4 NP, which is
used in the production of light beers in North America,
increases the amount of fermentable sugars and drives
down calories and carbohydrates.
…we’ll toast to that!