Novonesis Boosts Biofuel Output for South African Industry
Biotech solutions are improving industrial resource efficiency and biofuel production yields across the country.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Biotech
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Biotechnology firm Novonesis is deploying biosolutions such as enzymes and yeast to enhance industrial processes in South Africa. These applications aim to improve production yields while reducing necessary inputs across more than 30 different industries.
Why it matters
Industries are increasingly adopting these biological tools to bolster production efficiency. By optimising feedstock conversion, companies can generate higher output while decreasing their reliance on raw chemical resources.
Novonesis biosolutions, including enzymes and yeast, increase ethanol output by 3% to 4%. Furthermore, these technologies reduce chemical usage in detergents by nearly 30%.
The players
Novonesis
Formed in 2024, this global biotechnology company focuses on developing biosolutions for a wide range of industrial applications.
Novozymes
This former entity is one of the two companies that combined to form Novonesis.
Chr. Hansen
This company previously specialised in bioscience and merged with Novozymes to create Novonesis.
The details
The technology utilises microbes, bacterial cultures, and yeast to improve the conversion of local feedstocks into energy. In South Africa, where between 600 t and 800 t of used cooking oil are generated daily, these biosolutions help maximise resource recovery.
Timeline
Novonesis was established in 2024 through the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen.
Biosolution technology results have been observed over the past three years.
The Tech Race
The adoption of industrial biosolutions reflects a shift toward more sustainable manufacturing processes compared to traditional chemical-heavy methods. This transition positions biotech firms as key competitors against conventional industrial suppliers by offering more resource-efficient alternatives.
Consumers may see benefits through more sustainable household products, such as detergents that require fewer harsh chemicals. Increased efficiency in biofuel production could also influence long-term energy availability and resource sustainability in the local market.
The takeaway
Businesses are finding that biological alternatives can provide measurable improvements in production yields and resource efficiency. Adopting these technologies allows for a significant reduction in chemical inputs, benefiting both the bottom line and environmental sustainability.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of biotechnology, visit the Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Engineering News.
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