WORLD LEADER IN BIO - INNOVATIONS.

INTERVIEW

Mr Steen Riisgaard - PRESIDENT & CEO, Novozymes A/S

Enzymes provide a tool for supporting new fashions as well as improving basic processing steps during the manufacture of textiles. From pre-treatment to the finishing touch, bio-solutions are inevitable needs of today’s eco-concerned TEXTILE INDUSTRY.

Novozymes founded the market for industrial enzymes in 1941. Today, Novozymes is the world leader in bio-innovations and solutions in Enzymes, Microorganisms, Biopharma, and Biopolymers. It offers industrial bio-solutions for a broad array of industries including Textiles.

Company’s range of products for textiles includes bio-solutions useful in Bio-polishing, Bio-preparation, Bleach clean up, Denim Abrasion, Desizing, and DENIM FINISHING.

Novozymes A/S (‘A’ share capital) is held by Novo A/S, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In addition, Novo A/S holds 5,826,280 ‘B’ shares, which overall gives Novo A/S 25.5% of the total share capital and 70.1% of the votes. With over 700 products used in 130 countries, Novozymes works in team of over 4,500 people.

Mr Steen Riisgaard is President and CEO of Novozymes A/S and has had the position since Novozymes A/S was demerged from Novo Nordisk A/S in 2000. He started his career with Novo in 1979 as a microbiologist in Enzymes R&D.

Mr Riisgaard did MSc in Biology from the University of Copenhagen. Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, he was a research fellow at the Serum Institute of Denmark (1976-77) and a research microbiologist at Foss Electric, Denmark.

Presently, Mr Riisgaard is also the member on the boards of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Denmark and Egmont International Holding A/S.

For a closer look on this lucrative sector, Face2Face team interviewed Mr Steen Riisgaard who describes at length the current market of bio-solutions business in textile industry.

fibre2fashion:

What is Novozymes' contribution to Textiles development?

Mr Steen Riisgaard.

Novozymes has provided a number of innovative breakthroughs in the textile industry, setting up standards as far as biotech solutions are concerned. Listing a few examples- the first stone washing free and BioPolishing enzymes in late 80’s, the enzymatic denim bleaching system in mid 90’s, and more recently the BioScouring application in early 2000. Novozymes is committed to continue bringing innovations to the industry that creates economical benefits, environmentally sustainable processes and unique fabric quality for customers.

fibre2fashion:

Which all core competencies Novozymes integrates to state-of-the-art expertise in biotechnology platform?

Mr Steen Riisgaard.

Novozymes is a world leading biotechnology company with state-of-the-art expertise in microbiology, biotechnology and gene technology. We spend approximately 13 percent of sales on research and development, and 20 percent of our employees work in R&D. Our biotechnology platform is based on the company's core competences. These enable us to find, develop or refine enzymes and microorganisms meeting our customers' needs and to produce them safely in large quantities. Our biological production is also state-of-the-art with continued improvements and economies of scale. This means high barriers to entry for new competition.

fibre2fashion:

How is current market for bio-solutions business in the select industry?

Mr Steen Riisgaard

Enzymes are extensively used in many different parts of textile production processes. Enzymes work as catalysts to improve the production of garments and fabrics in terms quality, working environment, environmental aspects and costs. Enzymes are also important elements to create different finishes, and therefore, supporting new fashion trends. The use of microorganisms in textiles is more recently developed mainly in waster water treatment.

fibre2fashion:

How do you make your's an environment friendly business line?

Mr Steen Riisgaard

Enzymes are environmentally friendly alternatives to the industry. It is well proved that enzymes can replace hazardous chemicals, save energy and water, and are biodegradable. Novozymes is proud to contribute to the eco-friendly development in the textile industry.

fibre2fashion:

How does Novozymes differentiate itself from those equal in its standing?

Mr Steen Riisgaard

As market leaders in textiles, Novozymes applies a significant amount of resources in R&D to continuously bring innovations and breakthroughs in the industry. We also ensure strong brand awareness as our brands stand for high quality, effectiveness and innovation.

fibre2fashion:

How would you like to comment on the rationale behind your latest acquisition of Biocon? How prospective is Indian market?.

Mr Steen Riisgaard

Novozymes acquisition of Biocon´s enzyme business strengthens its position as global market leader. India is an attractive market for Novozymes as there has been strong growth in the past years driven by macro economic developments. Enzyme use is still in it’s infancy with growing awareness of enzyme potential and benefits. Novozymes takes over a strong distribution setup, application development and local market knowledge adding to our existing presence in India, which would otherwise have been difficult and time-consuming to build.

fibre2fashion:

Are you planning further product extension in textile sector?

Mr Steen Riisgaard

We aim to keep expanding our product line and applications in the coming years. We hope to continuously contribute to the sustainable development of the textile industry in the years to come.

SOURCE: fiber2fashion