Enzyme production at Novozymes A/S is based on fermentation of raw materials such as potato flour and cornstarch. The fermentation process generates about 150,000 cubic metres of solid biomass - the so-called NovoGro®. After inactivation and hygienisation, NovoGro® is used by some 600 West Zealand farmers as fertiliser in the fields, thereby reducing their need for commercial fertilisers. NovoGro® contains the by-products nitrogen, phosphorus and lime.

Yeast slurry

The insulin production of Novo Nordisk A/S also provides feed for pigs. The insulin production builds on a fermentation process in which some of the main ingredients are sugar and salt, which are converted into insulin by adding yeast. After a heating process, the yeast, a residual product in this production, is converted into a very appreciated feed: yeast slurry. Sugar water and lactic acid bacteria are added to the yeast, making the product more attractive to pigs. Novo Nordiskís yeast slurry replaces approx. 70% of the soy proteins in traditional feed mixes. Last year, over 800,000 pigs were fed on this product, containing yeast slurry.

Liquid fertiliser

Statoil's desulphurisation plant reduces the sulphur contents of the refinery gas whereby SO2 emissions are reduced significantly. The by-product is ammoniumthiosulphate, which is used in the production of approx. 20,000 tonnes of liquid fertiliser roughly corresponding to the annual Danish consumption.