September 16, 2010
 

US enzymes demand to increase over 5% per year

 

 

Demand for enzymes in the US is expected to rise more than 5% annually to US$2.7 billion in 2014 amid advances in higher-value, specialty enzymes used in applications such as pharmaceuticals, research and biotechnology, as well as the emerging biofuels market, according to a market study.

 

Going forward, gains will come from continued expansion in these areas as enzyme producers create new niches in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), the use of biocatalysts in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing, and in new cellulase formulations enabling biomass-based ethanol refining to reach an economically feasible industrial scale.

 

Although specialty enzymes are becoming the higher-value segment, industrial enzymes will continue to see stable growth in markets such as pulp and paper processing, animal feed, cosmetics and toiletries, and cleaning products.

 

Market leaders such as Novozymes and Danisco, competing in the industrial segment, will continue to fight off the downward sales pressures coming from commoditisation and maturing markets by introducing new, more technical and specially tailored enzymes.

 

The animal feed enzyme market will see moderating benefits from the widespread adoption of phytases as this application matures.

 

In all industrial markets, demand for enzymes will be supported by their more environmentally friendly nature on a variety of levels, including their ability to substitute for harsh chemical solvents.