NEEDbioWash · Project

GMO-Free Enzymes That Make Eco-Certified Laundry Detergents Actually Work

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You know how eco-friendly laundry detergents often don't clean as well as regular ones? That's because the powerful enzymes that break down stains are made using genetically modified organisms, which eco-labels ban. This project figured out how to grow equally effective enzymes using a natural fermentation method — no GMOs needed. Think of it like making sourdough bread instead of using factory yeast: same result, completely natural process.

By the numbers

up to 20%

Annual growth rate of organic product market in Europe and globally

Consortium partners across 3 countries

75%

Industry partners in the consortium

SMEs in the consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Eco-certified laundry detergents consistently underperform conventional products because the powerful stain-degrading enzymes used in mainstream detergents are produced using GMOs — which organic and eco-labels strictly forbid. Consumers who buy organic expect both environmental responsibility and strong cleaning results, but current eco-detergents force them to choose one or the other. With the organic market growing at up to 20% annually, this performance gap is a missed revenue opportunity for detergent manufacturers.

The solution

What was built

The project developed and demonstrated a GMO-free enzyme production process using solid state fermentation (SSF) that produces enzymes capable of significantly boosting the washing performance of eco-certified laundry detergents. A successful demonstration event confirmed the production method works at a meaningful scale, and 3 total deliverables were completed.

Audience

Who needs this

Eco-certified laundry detergent manufacturers looking to improve cleaning performanceEnzyme producers wanting to enter the organic ingredients marketPrivate-label cleaning product manufacturers serving eco-conscious retail chainsOrganic product brands expanding from food into household cleaningContract formulators developing eco-certified cleaning product lines

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Eco-certified cleaning products

SME

Target: Manufacturers of eco-labelled laundry detergents

If you are a detergent manufacturer struggling to match conventional cleaning performance in your eco-certified product line — this project developed a GMO-free enzyme production method using solid state fermentation that significantly boosts washing performance while keeping full organic certification. The organic market is growing at up to 20% annually, and your current eco-products are losing customers who expect better stain removal.

Industrial enzyme production

mid-size

Target: Enzyme manufacturers and biotech fermentation companies

If you are an enzyme producer looking to enter the fast-growing organic ingredients market — this project demonstrated solid state fermentation as a commercially viable alternative to GMO-based enzyme production. With organic non-food merchandise growing at up to 20%, there is strong demand for certified-natural enzyme ingredients that detergent brands can use without losing their eco-labels.

Private label and contract manufacturing

any

Target: Contract manufacturers producing cleaning products for retail chains

If you are a private-label manufacturer and your retail clients are demanding better-performing eco-certified detergents — this project created enzyme ingredients produced entirely without GMOs that can be added to eco-certified formulations. The 4-partner consortium across 3 countries already demonstrated the production process at scale, meaning faster time to your production line.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would this enzyme product cost compared to conventional GMO-produced enzymes?

The project data does not include specific pricing. Solid state fermentation typically uses simpler equipment and cheaper substrates than submerged fermentation, which could keep costs competitive. Contact the coordinator for commercial pricing details.

Can this be produced at industrial scale, not just lab quantities?

Yes — the project was funded as an Innovation Action (IA), which requires demonstration at near-market scale. A demonstration event was carried out successfully, confirming the production process works beyond the laboratory. The consortium includes 3 industrial partners across 3 countries.

Who owns the intellectual property, and can I license this technology?

The IP is held by the consortium, coordinated by Naturstoff-Technik GmbH in Germany. As an SME-led project with 75% industry partners, the consortium was designed for commercialization. Licensing terms would need to be negotiated directly with the coordinator.

Which eco-certification labels would accept these enzymes?

The project specifically targets eco-certified laundry products where GMO-derived ingredients are forbidden. The enzymes are produced without any genetic modification, making them eligible for organic and eco-label standards that prohibit GMO ingredients. Specific label compliance should be confirmed with the coordinator.

How long until this could be integrated into our production line?

The project ran from 2019 to 2021 and completed its demonstration phase. This built on earlier feasibility work from the SSFENZYMES project completed in May 2017. The technology has had several years of development and demonstration, suggesting it is ready for integration discussions.

Does this enzyme work only for laundry, or also for dishwashing and industrial cleaning?

The project focused specifically on laundry detergent applications. Based on available project data, extension to other cleaning products is not explicitly addressed, but the underlying enzyme production method could potentially serve other cleaning segments. Consult the coordinator for application scope.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is built for commercialization, not academic research. With 3 out of 4 partners from industry (75%) and 3 SMEs, this is a team focused on getting a product to market, not publishing papers. The coordinator, Naturstoff-Technik GmbH from Germany, is an SME specializing in natural materials. The consortium spans 3 countries (Belgium, Germany, Spain), giving it access to multiple European markets. Only 1 research organization is involved, providing the scientific backbone while the industrial partners handle production and market entry. This industry-heavy composition is a strong signal that the technology was developed with real manufacturing constraints in mind.

NATURSTOFF-TECHNIK GMBHCoordinator · DE
FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATIONparticipant · ES
NORMEC OWSparticipant · BE

How to reach the team

Naturstoff-Technik GmbH (Germany) — SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to the project coordinator

Order a report on this consortium See NATURSTOFF-TECHNIK GMBH profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore licensing this GMO-free enzyme technology for your detergent line? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the development team and provide a detailed technology brief.

Order a report on this topic More in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0