New Enzyme technology introduced to convert waste oil into biodiesel by Novozyme

Novozymes introduced Novozymes Eversa, the first commercially available enzymatic solution to make biodiesel from waste oils. The enzymatic process uses cooking oil or other lower grade oils to convert it into biodiesel. Biodiesel producers can thereby reduce their raw material costs. The resulting biodiesel is sold to the same trade specification as biodiesel created through traditional chemical processing. Growing demand for vegetable oil in the food industry has resulted in increased prices, causing biodiesel producers to search for alternatives and more sustainable. The idea of enzymatic biodiesel is not new, but the costs involved have been too high for commercial viability. Eversa changes this and enables biodiesel producers to finally work with waste oils and enjoy feedstock flexibility to avoid the pinch of volatile pricing.  The enzymatic process eliminates the need for sodium methoxide, one of the most hazardous chemicals in traditional biodiesel plants. Switching to Eversa can lead to a safer working environment for plant operators. The enzymatic process does not use high pressure or high temperature.