Novozymes invests in UV pasteurisation technology

Biotech group Novozymes has invested in an energy-saving UV filtration system from sustainable pasteurisation technology company Lyras.

Novozymes has purchased its first UV-based raslysation system (a non-thermal processing technology for liquids) to replace its existing, labour-intensive filtration processes.

Raslysation uses UV light at a specific wavelength to pasteurise opaque liquids, including dairy, juice and enzymes. The liquid is directed past the light source and illuminated to inactivate bacteria and other microorganisms.

The group’s investment in Lyras’ raslysation technology will help reduce energy consumption, support sustainable strategies and improve control of unwanted microbial activity during the filtration process.

Steen Skaebaek, senior director at Novozymes, said: “As many enzymes cannot withstand high temperatures, our legacy equipment was primarily made up of classic depth-filtration to remove the bioburden in our products. However, this meant our employees replaced heavy sets of filter plates daily as part of the purification process.

He continued: “Raslysation removes the need for this process while helping us take more control of how we create our product. We’re also expecting to see a difference in our next energy bill. Raslysation fits into our green strategy in every way. It’s likely that, with time, the next step will be to install more of Lyras’ UV technology at several of our global sites that produce high-value enzymes and proteins for the food industry.”

The investment comes after Novozymes announced plans to merge with ingredient manufacturer Chr. Hansen in December.