Rooted in innovation and sustainability, Novozymes A/S specializes in industrial enzymes and microorganisms. Thus, leveraging the power of biotech to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ranging from climate change and energy scarcity to food waste and agricultural sustainability.
Boasting more than 6,700 employees in over 30 countries, Novozymes serves customers in more than 140 countries. With R&D expenditure exceeding 14% of revenue, it is among the most research-intensive companies. This is not just in Denmark, but globally. Also, its strong commitment to innovation has yielded a robust portfolio of over 6,000 granted and pending patents. Therefore, positioning Novozymes as a scientific leader in environmental and industrial biotechnology.
Why Novozymes A/S Is a Danish Powerhouse
Novozymes is far more than a household name in industrial biotechnology. It is a strategic cornerstone for the Danish economy. As one of Denmark’s largest biotech companies, it plays a vital role in job creation, exports, and the promotion of Danish expertise on the international stage. Additionally, it was originally part of the Danish pharmaceutical conglomerate Novo Nordisk before splitting off into its own publicly traded company in 2000. And since then, Novozymes has grown into a world leader in biological solutions.
At a national level, Novozymes is a key contributor to Denmark’s environmental goals, including the national strategy for reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, its sustainable biotech applications help Denmark punch well above its weight in global climate diplomacy. Hence, backing practical solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is particularly Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Besides, the Danish government and business community view Novozymes as critical to positioning Denmark as a leading hub for green innovation. With robust partnerships with universities, startups, international bodies, and Danish policy institutions, Novozymes is not just producing scientific developments. It is also shaping the policy frameworks around bioinnovation globally.
Global Influence Beyond Denmark
Internationally, Novozymes is widely acknowledged as the market leader in biological solutions. With a global enzyme market share of around 48%, it works across industries ranging from agriculture and food to bioenergy and household care. Furthermore, the company’s biotechnological platform enables industries to replace chemical processes with biological ones. Consequently, dramatically reducing environmental footprints while driving economic performance.
One of Novozymes’ most recent milestones has been its merger with Chr. Hansen, another Danish industrial biotech heavyweight, in 2023. This merger created a new global leader in biosolutions, expected to generate combined annual revenues of approximately €3.5 billion. In addition, this fusion elevates Denmark’s position in the global biosciences sector. And it cements Novozymes’ influence not only as an innovator but also as a consolidator in the bioeconomy.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Green Agenda
Novozymes is widely hailed for building its business model around sustainable principles long before “green” became a corporate buzzword.
Its public sustainability targets are just as rigorous and ambitious as its financial ones. By 2030, Novozymes aims to enable a 100 million tonreduction in CO2 emissions through the use of its biosolutions globally. These goals are deeply integrated into internal KPIs, R&D objectives, and stakeholder dialogue, making its sustainability credentials some of the most authentic and admired in the global corporate landscape.
A Catalyst for Future Innovation
With the world increasingly seeking alternatives to fossil fuels, synthetic chemicals, and resource-intensive manufacturing, Novozymes has positioned itself as a catalyst in the emerging bio-based economy. Whether it’s through developing enzymes that improve laundry detergents so they work in cold water conditions, or creating microbial solutions that help farmers grow more with less, Novozymes is rewriting the rules of industrial efficiency and ecological responsibility.
It is also heavily invested in future biotechnology ventures, including next-generation biofuels, plant-based protein enhancements, precision agriculture, and microbiome solutions. Denmark’s strong education system and supportive innovation landscape enable Novozymes to attract top-tier scientific talent, which feeds directly into its innovation pipeline.
What Novozymes A/S Offers: A Biotech Arsenal for Global Industries
Industrial Enzymes: The Core Product Area
At the heart of Novozymes’ product ecosystem are industrial enzymes. These are natural catalysts that can replace traditional, more energy-intensive synthetic processes.
- Detergent Enzymes: These enzymes help break down fats, starches, and protein-based stains in laundry at lower temperatures, allowing for cold-water washing and energy savings. Products like “Savu” have revolutionized consumer laundry by enabling high performance even in eco-cycles.
- Food & Beverage Enzymes: Novozymes provides enzymes for baking, brewing, dairy production, and juice enhancement. These enzymes improve texture, extend shelf life, and increase yields of raw materials.
- Bioenergy Enzymes: In the renewable energy sector, Novozymes supplies advanced enzymes that significantly increase the yield of ethanol production from biomass, a cornerstone for second-generation biofuels.
By replacing polluting chemicals and energy-hungry processes, these biological tools offer sustainable solutions with tangible cost and environmental benefits.
Microbial Solutions: Nature-Engineered Innovation
Beyond enzymes, Novozymes is a leader in developing microbial solutions—live microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that deliver biological benefits.
- Agriculture: Novozymes produces microbial inoculants that enhance nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and disease suppression. Through products like “TagTeam Bionematicide,” the company supports healthier crop yields with reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
- Animal Health and Nutrition: Special microbes are used to improve gut health and feed efficiency in livestock.
- Wastewater Management: Microbial blends are deployed in industrial and municipal systems to break down organic waste, reduce sludge formation, and control odors.
As pressure mounts globally for cleaner, greener solutions, Novozymes’ microbial technologies stand out for their ability to perform reliably in complex, real-world environments.
Emerging Innovation Platforms of Novozymes A/S
Novozymes’ innovation doesn’t stop with its existing enzyme and microbial lines. In recent years, the company has expanded into next-generation biosolution platforms that focus on future needs:
- Plant-Based Proteins: Enzymes designed to improve texture and flavor of plant-based foods, making them more appealing to mainstream consumers.
- Microbiome Innovation: Using next-gen microbial technology for human and animal health by modulating the gut flora in beneficial ways.
- Carbon Capture & Utilization: Early-stage R&D is focused on enzymatic solutions that can assist in capturing CO₂ and converting it into useful biomaterials.
These areas are key to how Novozymes plans to lead the evolution of sustainable practices in food, health, and climate action.
Customized and Collaborative Solutions
Novozymes rarely offers one-size-fits-all products. A significant portion of its value lies in co-developing tailored enzyme or microbial solutions with its industrial partners. The company works closely with clients to understand their specific needs, conducts application testing, and fine-tunes formulations to deliver optimal outcomes.
Its robust Application & Technology teams are stationed around the world. Thus, allowing Novozymes to integrate seamlessly into client R&D processes.
Digital Tools and Services
In addition to physical products, Novozymes increasingly offers digital services that complement its biotech arsenal. These tools assist with diagnostics, data analysis, and application optimization. For example:
- BioLens: A precision agriculture tool that enables real-time monitoring of soil conditions for the effective application of microbial inoculants.
- Automation in Industrial Laundry: Integrations that allow enzyme performance to be fine-tuned during real-world use.
Combining these digital offerings with its biological products allows Novozymes to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end innovation solutions that go beyond the lab and into the operational heart of its customers.
Conclusion: Novozymes A/S
Novozymes A/S exemplifies how cutting-edge science and responsible business practices can align to shape the industries of tomorrow. As Denmark’s leading industrial biotech company, Novozymes has not only advanced the country’s international reputation in green innovation. It has also made a lasting mark on how biological solutions impact everyday life.
From sustainable detergents and efficient food production to carbon-saving biofuels and resilient crops, Novozymes delivers game-changing tools that respond directly to global sustainability challenges. Through its investments in R&D, its robust portfolio of enzymes and microbes, and its collaborative approach to innovation, Novozymes occupies a unique and influential position at the crossroads of business, science, and sustainability.
As the world continues its shift toward climate-resilient, low-impact technologies, Novozymes’ pioneering work in biosolutions provides a powerful foundation for positive change—benefiting consumers, producers, and the planet alike.
FAQs about Novozymes A/S
1. Why is Novozymes A/S important to Denmark?
Novozymes is one of Denmark’s most prominent technology companies and a global leader in greener industries. Also, it plays a major role in supporting the Danish economy through exports, innovation, and job creation, while also contributing to national climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
2. What industries use Novozymes’ products?
Novozymes provides products for sectors such as agriculture, household care (e.g., detergents), bioenergy (e.g., ethanol fuel), food and beverage, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.
3. How does Novozymes A/S stay ahead in innovation?
Novozymes invests over 14% of its revenue into research and development. Additionally, it collaborates with universities, industrial partners, and policy institutions to stay at the forefront of innovation, continually developing next-gen biosolutions for emerging global challenges.
