thyssenkrupp Uhde, a major chemical technology solution provider, in partnership with Novonesis, our partner and pioneer in enzymatic technology, announce the launch of their joint offering: uhde enzymatic esterification. This groundbreaking technology bears the potential to revolutionize ester production by significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing product quality through environmentally friendly biocatalysis, at a competitive cost-in-use of the enzyme.

Esterification plays a crucial role in the oleochemical value chain by converting natural fatty acids into the corresponding esters. These bio-based and bio-degradable esters are then utilized in a wide range of day-to-day products for food, personal care, household care and technical applications.

The new enzymatic esterification process developed by thyssenkrupp Uhde leverages Novonesis’ bespoke enzymes as catalysts, replacing traditional chemical catalysts such as inorganic acids or metal-based catalysts. This innovative approach operates at significantly lower temperatures, resulting in substantial energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%. Additionally, the process has an inherently safer design due to the absence of chemical catalysts and lower operating temperatures.

“We are thrilled to introduce this innovative enzymatic esterification technology in collaboration with Novonesis. This joint offering underscores our commitment to sustainability and also provides our clients with a competitive edge through enhanced product quality and the possibility to enter completely new markets for bio-based products. Together, we are paving the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient future in chemical production,” said Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde.

“Our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde brings together the expertise of our two companies and has enabled us to create an innovative technology solution for production of low-carbon esters. By leveraging thyssenkrupp Uhde’s process technology know-how and proprietary equipment, a new level of performance is now achievable with our enzymes for ester production. We will collaborate closely with thyssenkrupp Uhde to commercially deploy this new technology,” said Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President, Global Marketing, Industrial & Household care solutions of Novonesis.