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Novozymes invests in UV technology from Danish Lyras

Global enzyme producer Novonesis has adopted a new UV-based filtration system from Danish company Lyras, replacing labor-intensive and energy-consuming filtration methods with raslysation technology. After extensive testing, Novonesis has installed its first system at its Kalundborg facility.

The biotech group Novonesis has bought in a new and energy-friendly filtration replacement from Danish Lyras. Following a thorough test course, the group has purchased its first UV system based on the raslysation technology for inactivation of microorganisms. Raslysation is going to improve work environment and reduce energy consumption for the global market leader in industrial enzymes. 

Novonesis’ new raslysation system from Lyras is going to replace labor-intensive filtration processes that previously caused physical strain on the company’s employees in connection with manual handling of filters. At the same time, the investment is expected to provide increased safety with regards to unwanted microbiology and reduced energy consumption.  

 “As several enzymes cannot withstand high temperatures, today we use classic depth-filtration to remove the bioburden in our products. For that reason, our employees replace heavy sets of filter plates daily as part of the purification process for the finished enzyme concentrate. Raslysation relieves us from this procedure. Simultaneously, we gain even more control of unwanted microbial activity in our processes. We also expect to see a difference in our energy bill. All things considered, raslysation fits into Novonesis’ green strategy in every way,” explains Steen Skaerbaek, Senior Director at Novonesis. He continues:  

 “Once the UV technology provides the expected results at Novonesis’ location in Kalundborg, the next logistical step will be to install Lyras’ UV technology at several of our global strategic sites, that produce high-value enzymes and proteins for the food industry.”  

Kudos to Novonesis for investing in new green technology “You have to give big, recognized companies like Novonesis props for leading by example and integrating new and green technologies. Novonesis has been a fantastic partner in the process of testing and designing the optimal solution. We are proud that together we have created the basis for a system that a company with Novonesis’ high level of research would want to invest in and use globally in future,” says Lyras CTO Nete Zarp Nielsen.  

Novonesis is also pleased with the joint development and testing process that precedes the purchase:  

“It has been a pleasure working with Lyras. The company is skillful, attentive and innovative, and fits perfectly into Novonesis’ culture of development. Together we attain the microbial reduction, which a responsible food producer is obliged to constantly optimize and improve on,” says Steen Skaerbaek.  

Microbial control over 45,000 liters per hour  Novonesis’ new raslysation system will be able to treat 45,000 liters of industrial enzyme liquid per hour. Raslysation is a non-thermal treatment technology based on UV that inactivates microorganisms and at the same time is gentle on enzymes, proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. You achieve higher quality, increased safety, improved production flow, less cleaning and waste as well as better utilization of resources such as energy.  

Raslysation can also be used as a substitute for pasteurization of foods such as brine, whey, juice, iced tea, and many other liquids.  

Facts about Lyras and raslysation Lyras has developed the groundbreaking raslysation technology, which inactivates microorganisms in drinks and other opaque liquids by way of UV light. The technique is far less energy-intensive compared to traditional pasteurization and filtration methods. Consequently, raslysation saves between 60 and 90 percent of the energy, and 60 to 80 percent of the water that traditional pasteurization requires. If, for instance, a dairy which produces 40 Tonnes of whey per hour, were to switch from traditional pasteurization to raslysation, it would, based on the EU average, emit 519 Tonnes CO2 less per year. That corresponds to the energy consumption of driving 164 times around the world in an ordinary family car. 

Raslysation uses a UV light source combined with a light filter that concentrates a specific type of UV light. The liquid is directed past the light source in a controlled movement so that the entire liquid is illuminated. This technique effectively inactivates microorganisms. At the same time, more of the natural taste, vitamins and proteins are preserved. The technique can be applied to a range of liquid foods and fluids.

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