Enzymes & Circular Bioeconomy

Bioeconomy encompasses the production and use of renewable sources to make value added products, processes and services. The development of the bioeconomy is supported by the use of enzymes and industrial biotechnology. By using renewable sources in a sustainable manner, enzymes are used for bioenergy, bio-chemicals, food and animal feed. Enzymes help convert biomass such as food waste into biogas, bioethanol and other bio-materials. The production of bioenergy with enzymes decarbonises the transport sector while reducing dependency on oil. One of the most impactful uses of enzyme products is in detergents, resulting in the reduction in energy and water. Enzymes can also aid in the compaction and replacement of other chemicals such as phosphates leading to less impact on the environment. In food production, the use of food enzymes improves yield, reduces waste and saves energy. In animal feed, enzymes help maximize feed conversion ratio thereby saving costly ingredients for the farmer and thus reducing emissions due to lower amount of feed produced globally.

According to the OECD, industrial biotech can reduce 1-2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, by 2030[1].

Enzymes are key if governments want to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate and environmental commitments.

[1] http://www.oecd.org/sti/emerging-tech/49024032.pdf