Novonesis and thyssenkrupp Uhde launch enzymatic fat-splitting solution for scalable and more sustainable fatty acid production
Novonesis has partnered with thyssenkrupp Uhde, a major chemical technology solution provider, to help the oleochemical industry accelerate the transition to more efficient and sustainable manufacturing of fatty acids using biosolutions.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark. November 18, 2025. Fatty‑acid producers have long faced pressure as shifting market demands collide with the long lead times and high CAPEX of conventional thermal fat‑splitting towers.
To address these challenges, Novonesis and thyssenkrupp Uhde are jointly launching an enzymatic fat-splitting process using the Novonesis Lipura® Split enzyme.
This collaboration redefines fatty acid production, enabling producers to significantly reduce energy consumption, improve production flexibility, and enhance overall process efficiency. Compared to conventional splitting at 260°C and 60 bar pressure, the gentler enzymatic process runs at 70°C and atmospheric pressure.
From lab to plant
This new approach to fat-splitting is designed for safe and scalable implementation, supported by a dedicated pilot plant that allows producers to validate performance under real-world conditions.
The pilot facility serves as a critical bridge between laboratory innovation and full-scale industrial deployment, ensuring that producers can confidently transition to more sustainable and cost-effective operations.
“Our partnership with Novonesis demonstrates the power of collaboration to shape a more sustainable future. This joint innovation enables our customers to achieve economic gains while advancing their environmental goals,”
says Nadja Håkansson, Member of the Executive Board / COO thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies & CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde.
A more efficient path forward
The Novonesis-Uhde process is adaptable to both existing operations and new capacity plants. The solution can cut capital expenditure (CAPEX) by up to 60%, shorten time to market and scale production from 50 TPD to help producers navigate changing market needs.
“With this collaboration, we make it simpler for customers to move from conventional fat splitting to an enzymatic alternative – one built for a dynamic landscape of rising energy costs, evolving sustainability standards, and increasing pressure for production flexibility.
This shift not only benefits fatty-acid producers' agility and profitability, it also paves the way toward a more sustainable future for the oleochemical industry,”
says Hans Ole-Klingenberg, Vice President, Global Marketing, Household & Industrial Biosolutions, Novonesis.
Learn more about the Novonesis-Uhde solution here.
What are oleochemicals?
Oleochemicals are made from renewable natural fats and oils. They are widely used in products such as personal care items, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and many industrial applications, and can serve as a more sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based ingredients.
Enzymatic fat-splitting delivers measurable impact
• Reduces CAPEX by up to 60%
• Scale from just 50 TPD with a simple, low-investment setup
• Use up to 40% less energy due to lower operating temperatures
• Use up to 40% less water: less water reduces energy demand during evaporation
• Boost yield by up to 2%: the gentler process minimizes reactions that lead to yield loss
About Novonesis
Novonesis is leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for thousands of customers and benefiting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology.
About thyssenkrupp Uhde
thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value-chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com
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