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2006 was the year when energy – and alternative fuels – moved even higher up the global political agenda. We were delighted to see this at Novozymes.
We are working towards a future with the necessary balance between better business and a cleaner environment and better lives. Our products and technologies can help to overcome many of the challenges the world currently faces in this respect.
Our results show that there is real interest in Novozymes’ biological solutions. In 2006 we recorded top-line growth of 8% and growth in earnings of 11%.
These are good results. But it remains very important for us to focus on developing new products and technologies, and optimising our existing ones, if we are to sustain this development. |
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New competences create new opportunities
We are not resting on our laurels. On the contrary, we are working hard to keep finding new applications for our technology and so open up new earnings opportunities. One good example is the development of enzymes and technology for second generation bioethanol, and in 2006 we entered into partnerships with bioethanol producers Broin in the USA and China Resources Alcohol Corporation in China.
2006 also brought new knowledge, new research possibilities and 279 new colleagues through the acquisition of Qingdao Huayuan Fine Bio-Products Co. Ltd in China, Delta Biotechnology Ltd in the UK and GroPep Ltd in Australia. The latter two companies’ expertise in ingredients for the biopharmaceutical industry is helping Novozymes to build up a broad portfolio of capabilities in this business area.
Innovation as spearhead
Novozymes is the market leader in enzymes and microorganisms. One reason why we have gained this position is that we use innovation strategically in the battle for market share in both existing and new markets. In markets where we already have a foothold, we strive constantly to optimise our existing solutions so that we can improve our customers’ products and maintain – and ideally increase – our market share. |
Steen Riisgaard,
President and CEO
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In 2006, for example, we launched a new detergent enzyme that can remove stubborn stains like blood, and a more effective enzyme for the production of bioethanol from starch using the ‘cold’ or ‘one-step’ process. However, for Novozymes innovation is not just about new or optimised solutions and products. We also use innovation actively in our own production, and we improved our productivity once again in 2006. Rising productivity makes for greater profitability and so increased scope to invest in continued innovation.
Exciting times ahead
The world is changing all the time. We are continuing to see new challenges emerging that we can meet by developing new biological solutions, or the world suddenly becoming ready for technologies that we have already developed. As in 2006, we will remain on the lookout for new openings for Novozymes’ biotechnology and production facilities so that we can continue to help promote sustainable development. |
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