Company Profiles

Novozymes

Denmark

Denmark's Novozymes is the world leader in biotech-based industrial enzymes and microorganisms. These enzyme products can reduce the use of energy, raw materials, and harsh chemicals as well as reducing waste generation. For example, enzymes can reduce the environmental impact of detergent products as they enable a lower wash temperature and reduce the use of undesirable chemicals. Another enzyme product reduces the need for chlorine in the paper and pulp industry. Novozymes has also developed an enzyme for bioethanol production, which reduces energy consumption in the production process and simultaneously gives a higher yield. The company's enzymes are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally benign. Novozymes recognizes the impact of nutrient-rich liquid generated during enzyme production and develops markets for this waste flow. Examples of these efforts are the company's non-chemical fertilizer NovoGro® and a feed supplement for pigs. The company's strategy is to contribute to global sustainable development by creating environmentally-sound solutions to replace existing technologies and to meet new market needs. Portfolio 21 encourages Novozymes to improve the transparent reporting of the environmental impacts associated with its raw materials.

Biotechnology Involvement

Novozymes, an industrial biotechnology company, has a strict containment policy, and no genetically modified material is present in enzymes sold to detergent manufacturers or in any other enzyme products. One of the company's basic principles is to inform all interested parties openly about its products and how they are produced; this information is included on the description sheets delivered with the product. A list of products created with genetic technology is also available on Novozymes' website. In addition, the company offers a number of enzyme products that are produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. Visit our Biotechnology Policy for more on this issue.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 12/31/06 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.