Our history
A world-leading biosolutions partner for more than 100 years
A historic milestone
We officially became Novonesis through the combination of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, uniquely positioned to lead the era of biosolutions.
Breaking new frontiers with biology
We are pushing the boundaries of innovation across industries and applications including enzyme-based carbon capture, PET recycling and next-generation proteins.
Bioprotection breakthrough
We launched the first biosolution to slow spoilage yeasts and molds, keeping dairy products fresh for longer and reducing food waste.
Planting the seeds of agricultural transformation
We entered the agricultural sector with BioAg, marking the beginning of our journey to transform farming through innovative biosolutions.
Fueling the future: Breakthroughs in bioenergy and biotech
- Entry into bioenergy with our first enzyme for ethanol production
- Advancing sustainable fuels through a U.S. government partnership
- Developing enzymes to turn plant-based waste into low-carbon fuel
Global expansion in the Post-1989 Era
We established and grew our presence in new markets across Eastern Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa, strengthening our position worldwide.
Sharpening focus on enzymes and microorganisms
Spun off from Novo Nordisk, Novozymes was established as an independent company to focus exclusively on enzymes and microorganisms.
Introducing the Triple Bottom Line
We pioneered the Triple Bottom Line approach balancing financial, social and environmental goals — contributing to a healthier planet and better lives.
Novo Nordisk
Pioneering bioengineering
Groundbreaking advances in enzyme development at the molecular level paved the way for cross-industry
innovations and sustainable solutions that benefit both businesses and the planet.
Transforming the food and beverage industry on a broad scale
We took the first steps to reshape the food and beverage industry with biosolutions for more efficient, sustainable processes and better products.
Next level industrial biotechnology
We launched the world’s first fat-breaking detergent enzyme, produced using microbial fermentation. This technique transformed industrial biotechnology.
Transforming human health with probiotics
We introduced BB-12™, one of the most researched probiotic strains, supporting a wide range of health areas and helping people of all ages maintain wellbeing.
New frontiers in animal health and nutrition
We introduced probiotics for chickens and turkeys in the US, supporting animal wellbeing and productivity.
Transforming dairy for the future
Following a landmark cooperation between France, the US and Denmark, we introduced the groundbreaking DVS® technology that transformed fermentation into a modern biotechnology platform.
Establishment in Brazil
We established operations in Brazil, expanding our presence and reinforcing our long-term commitment to LATAM.
Establishment in Argentina
We opened our own factory in Argentina, strengthening our direct presence in LATAM.
Redefining laundry forever
By making laundry more effective while reducing the need for harsh chemicals and high water temperatures, the breakthrough enzyme Alcalase revolutionized detergent performance.
Establishment in Australia
We established our first own operations in Australia, marking our expansion into the Southern Hemisphere.
World’s first corporate sustainability commitment
We published our first corporate sustainability commitment: Four key principles based on showing consideration for customers and end-users, employees, competitors, shareholders and society at large.
Laying the groundwork for modern biotechnology
We co-pioneered microbial fermentation techniques, using microorganisms to produce valuable products like penicillin and laid the foundation for modern industrial biotechnology.
A new enzyme landmark
Trypsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins, made industrial processes faster and safer by reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
Pioneering health care and enzyme science
Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium and Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium were founded in 1923 and 1925 to produce insulin using enzyme-based processes, later merging into Novo Nordisk.
Shaping dairy with the first starter cultures
The first starter cultures — naturally occurring bacteria used to ferment milk and make dairy products like yogurt — shaped the early stages of industrial dairy production.
Establishment in the United States
We established production in the United States, laying the foundation for our global presence.
Introducing the world’s first industrial cheese enzyme
The launch of the world’s first industrial cheese enzyme revolutionized cheesemaking and founded Chr. Hansen.
