Malic acid breakthrough from Novozymes

Global biotech company Novozymes claims to have developed a microorganism that aids the production of bio-based malic acid from renewable raw materials instead of oil.

Malic acid is used as a flavour enhancer in the food industry and can also be converted into other chemical derivatives used for a variety of plastic, polymer and resin products.

‘This is our first biochemical building block and a major milestone towards building a biochemical industry together with our partners,’ says Novozymes’ Executive VP Thomas Videbæk.

‘Oil-based products are all around us and biochemicals produced from renewable raw materials meet a global need for sustainable alternatives. This need is growing due to concerns about crude oil scarcity and price fluctuations.’

Novozymes believes the global market for malic acid is around 60,000 tons per year, with a value of $130 million (€105.8 million) and a growth rate of 4% per year.