Avantec Amp enzyme product cuts chemical use, increases profits

The launch of Avantec Amp, an enzyme product that improves yield in corn ethanol production while reducing the need for several harsh chemicals usually seen in ethanol production, was announced on Tuesday by Novozymes.

By using Avantec Amp, an ethanol plant with 110 million gallons can make up to $2.5 million a year in additional net profits.

“Avantec Amp enables yield improvements and chemical reductions that were previously impossible,” Peter Halling, Novozymes' vice president for biofuel, said. “It will boost our customers’ bottom line and give them flexibility to adjust their various revenue streams based on market conditions. Ultimately, it will give them a competitive advantage in a challenging market.”

Avantec Amp combines multiple enzyme activities into one and squeezes out more ethanol from each corn kernel than other enzyme solutions, saving water and energy and increasing return on investment. Some chemicals, such as Urea which is cut by more than 70 percent, can be reduced for the first time with Avantec Amp.

“By replacing these chemicals with enzymes you get greater safety for workers and lower costs,” Halling said. “When you simplify the recipe, you reduce the risk of errors associated with handling multiple different compounds and you also have less need for storage.”