Diversa Launches Luminase(TM) Enzyme for Improved Pulp Bleaching
SAN DIEGO, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diversa Corporation (Nasdaq: DVSA - News) today announced the launch of Luminase enzyme, a product that allows pulp and paper manufacturers to improve the cost and quality of pulp processing.
"The launch of Luminase enzyme significantly expands our growing portfolio of fiber modification products. We believe that because of its ability to produce brighter, whiter paper with reduced amounts of chemicals, its ease of use in current pulp and paper manufacturing processes, and its 100 percent biodegradable nature, Luminase enzyme is an important addition for the multi- billion dollar worldwide paper industry," said Jay M. Short, Ph.D., Diversa's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We believe that the potential cost savings and processing advantages allow Luminase enzyme to address a market of over $200 million. Using Luminase enzyme reduces the need for harsh bleaching chemicals by as much as 28 percent. All bleaching chemicals combined cost the paper industry nearly $2 billion dollars each year," continued Dr. Short.
Luminase enzyme can be used over a wider range of manufacturing conditions, including time, temperature, and alkalinity, than other enzyme products, which makes it useful to a broader range of customers. With more than 65 million tons of bleached kraft pulp fiber and 300 million tons of paper products produced each year worldwide, the launch of Luminase enzyme comes at a time when paper production has reached record levels and environmental regulations for chemicals are becoming more stringent.
Diversa manufactures Luminase enzyme and plans to sell the product to the pulp and paper industry worldwide.
About Luminase(TM) Enzyme
Luminase enzyme is a novel xylanase that improves the reactivity of pulp fiber to bleaching chemicals, such as chlorine dioxide. Luminase enzyme facilitates a significant reduction in harsh bleaching chemicals across a wide variety of pulp types and pulping processes. In addition to the cost savings offered by the use of Luminase enzyme, reducing bleaching chemicals can also improve the quality of waste water. Luminase enzyme works over a wide range of customer conditions, making it easier to use than other enzyme products. Luminase enzyme also works more rapidly than existing enzymes, allowing users more flexibility in managing and optimizing their processes. For many users, Luminase enzyme also allows pulp to be bleached to higher brightness than without enzyme, which may create new market or premium product opportunities. Additional information on Luminase enzyme is available at www.diversa.com/luminase... |
