Waste Prevention

Bioprocesses for chemical manufacturing. The Biochemize (P2B) technological platform is a more profitable, non-hazardous, and low-waste alternative to synthetic chemical manufacturing processes. Bioprocesses are highly selective and efficient. Enzymes used in bioprocesses are efficient and can be reused several times, reducing waste. Bioprocesses also reduce energy usage by enabling reactions to occur in mild or moderate conditions. Reagents and reaction conditions in bioprocessing are also less dangerous.

Pulp and paper enzymes. MetZyme® is a family of enzymatic solutions for all lignin-based biomass applications. These enzymes treat and enhance reused pulp, allowing clients to substitute virgin fiber with recycled fiber (RCF). Products made from RCF require less energy and chemicals to produce. MetZyme® PUREECO™ enzyme process lignocellulosic feedstock to create sustainable and renewably-sourced chemical building blocks for bioplastics, sorbitol, xylitol, furfural, 5-HMF, FDCA, organic acids, and other technologies that support biofuels. Lignin is often treated as waste and burned.

Blowing agent for the production of polystyrene. Polystyrene foam is traditionally produced with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) blowing agents, contributing to ozone depletion in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone pollution, and climate change. Polystyrene foam is used in product packaging for insulation, stiffness, resistance to moisture, and recyclability. This novel production method uses carbon dioxide as a blowing agent to produce polystyrene. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of several industrial processes. Carbon dioxide is accessible, inexpensive, and nonflammable. 

One-step, environmentally friendly process for the synthesis of solid oxide catalysts. The conventional production of catalysts requires acid-base precipitation with a metal nitrate, producing large volumes of nitrate and halogenated waste and emitting NOx and SOx gases. The extraction of nitrate and other salts generates large volumes of wastewater. This novel synthetic process eliminates aqueous and nitrate waste by using an organic acid, a pure metal, and an oxidizing agent that is usually air.

Engineered growth factors for cultured meat production. Enantis engineers high-performance proteins and enzymes. One of their main areas of expertise is the development of cost-effective growth factors specifically designed for cultured meat production. Cultured meat is genuine meat but lab-grown by cultivating animal cells. With this process, the industry can replicate real meat's sensory and nutritional profiles while avoiding the environmental and animal welfare impacts of traditional meat production.

Creates products through technologies derived from yeast production and focuses on yeast-related biotechnology applications and research. Oriental Yeast Company produces recombinant enzymes, recombinant human proteins, coenzymes, and substrates to improve crop yields, develop vaccines, and also offer customized dough improvers. Customizing dough for each client allows clients to maximize food quality while lowering costs and ingredient waste. Some of Oriental Yeast Company's coenzymes are used in manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) through biocatalysis. 

Uses waste coffee pulp and skin to create dense, nutritional flour. Every year, the global coffee industry generates 46 billion pounds of coffee cherry byproduct. The waste is then sent to landfills that emit 16.6 million metric tons of CO2. To combat this problem, this company uses coffee pulp and skin waste to make flour. This flour is nutrient-dense as it's high in fiber and mineral content (calcium, iron, zinc, and antioxidants). By reducing fruit decaying in fields, this process reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. The company claims this process resulted in 280,702 lbs.

Enzymatic interesterification for producing edible fats and oils that contain no trans fatty acids. Archer Daniels Midland Company and Novozymes have created enzymatic interesterification to replace chemical interestification processes. Trans fatty acids are a strong risk factor for heart disease. Trans fatty acids are formed during the hydrogenation process and are found in high concentrations in various foods. Interesterification is the most effective way to decrease trans fat content in food without adversely manipulating it.

Technology that uses a protein tag that selectively binds to amino acids to measure protein concentration. The Sprint® Rapid Protein Analyzer uses iTAG® protein-tagging technology. The iTAG® solution selectively binds to three amino acids present in proteins: histidine, arginine, and lysine. The iTAG® solution is acidic and connects with the basic group of these amino acids when they come into contact. After removing the iTAG® solution through filtration, colorimetry is used to determine protein concentration.