Verenium Introduces New Enzyme at Upcoming RFA National Ethanol Conference

Verenium Corporation, a pioneer in the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol and high-performance specialty enzymes, announced the introduction of Xylathin, a highly active enzyme designed to significantly improve the economics of fuel ethanol production from cereal grains.

Xylathin rapidly breaks down xylan, a compound found in cereal grains such as wheat, rye and barley and significantly reduces mash viscosity. This faster acting enzyme allows producers to shorten retention times and reduce enzyme dose. Xylathin also reduces grain water retention lowering grain drying energy requirements.

"Verenium is pleased to announce the launch of its new enzyme, Xylathin, further expanding its product portfolio in the grain ethanol market," said Janet Roemer, Verenium's Executive Vice President, Specialty Enzymes Business. "Xylathin is effective over a wide temperature and pH range allowing ethanol producers greater operational flexibility and significant reductions in processing costs."

The main markets for Xylathin are Europe and Canada, which are the largest global regions that process wheat into fuel ethanol. Verenium and its distribution partner, Add Food Service GmbH, began selling Xylathin directly to wheat ethanol producers in the first quarter of 2010. READ MORE