KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Sector
Manufacturing
Brief Description: Enzymes are naturally occurring, high molecular weight polymers of amino acids (proteins) that act as biological catalysts to regulate the speed of the many chemical reactions involved in the metabolism of living organisms.
The basic function of an enzyme is to increase the rate of a reaction. Most cellular reactions occur about a million times faster than they would in the absence of an enzyme. Enzymes are very specific in which reactions they can catalyse, and after the reaction is over, they are restored to their original state. The size of the enzyme market components is shown below:
Enzyme Market Segment Market Size (US$-m)
|
Technical enzyme
|
1 040
|
|
Animal feed enzyme
|
220
|
|
Food enzyme
|
740
|
|
Total
|
2 000
|
Protease is the dominant industrial enzyme, accounting for 25% of the market. Detergents in the technical enzyme sector are responsible for nearly 80% of the consumption for proteases.
Global Protease Markets by Region (US$-m)
|
North America
|
215.2
|
|
Western Europe
|
197.2
|
|
Rest of the world
|
185.3
|
|
Total
|
597.7
|
Rationale: Annual market volume growth of industrial enzymes averages 4-5%. The total industrial enzyme market in 2009 is expected to reach nearly US$2.4-billion. The leading enzyme producers operate internationally, having cooperative arrangements and marketing facilities in different parts of the world.
All enzyme producers recognise the importance of cost reduction in processing, to sustain the profitability of operation. South Africa can offer advantages in power and labour costs.
Location: Umbogintwini, south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Feasibility study status: Business plan still to be undertaken
Budget: R80-million to R200-million. Operating costs: Probable revenue to cost ratio of 2:1
Employment opportunities: The project will possibly employ some 50 people.
Contact Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal:
