March 19, 2019

Novozymes named Denmark's most innovative company

In its annual report, the European Patent Office (EPO) has ranked Novozymes as the most innovative Danish company, as well as number three in the world within the field of biotechnology, in terms of the number of European patent applications filed in 2018.

According to the company, the EPO determined that Novozymes was Denmark's most active European patent applicant with the organisation in 2018. In total, it had filed 192 new applications.

"We are driven by innovation and keep expanding into new areas which helps grow top line and profitability. Over the last years, 25% or more of our sales derive from new products," said Lise Abildgaard Ryberg, vice president for intellectual property at Novozymes.

Novozymes markets more than 700 products, and one in five of its 6,500 employees work in research and development. 13% of its total revenue is reinvested into research each year, and innovation typically expands the number of products by a double digit every year.

As part of its long-term strategy, Novozymes has dedicated itself to delivering 10 new transformative innovations from 2015 to 2020.

"Patents are an essential element of our strategy. By having patents in place, we protect the huge investment in our innovation. We find biological solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, such as the need for more food, better farming, renewable energy, and waste water treatment, while also contributing to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions," Ryberg added.

For example, in 2018, Novozymes launched Balancius, a novel enzyme that improves gut functionality in broiler chickens. The product is so effective that poultry farmers need 3% less feed to raise a chicken. Balancius not only helps farmer economics, but it also saves on the use of raw materials and energy, thus reducing CO2 emissions.

- Novozymes