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Customized
Enzyme
for Lignocellulosic
Biomass Saccharification

Maximize saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass with customized enzyme solutions designed for efficient sugar conversion

Harvested crop field with lignocellulosic biomass for enzyme conversion

Lignocellulosic biomass—derived from agricultural residues and other plant-based materials—is one of the most abundant sources of renewable carbon. As demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels grows, non-edible biomass is gaining attention as a key resource for next-generation bioenergy.

Agricultural field with crop residues for lignocellulosic biomass conversion

Lignocellulosic biomass saccharification breaks down the recalcitrant structure of plant biomass by converting components like cellulose into fermentable sugars. Customized enzyme cocktails help improve saccharification efficiency, making it easier to convert biomass into valuable products.

Our Enzyme CRESCENTISTM

Built on 30+ years of enzyme research in detergents, CRESCENTISTM combines proprietary enzyme technology with
feedstock-specific customization to enhance saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars.

Kao researchers developing industrial enzymes for biomass saccharification

Proprietary Enzyme Technology Trusted by Industry Leaders

CRESCENTISTM has been applied in biomass conversion initiatives with leading global industry players and research consortia, demonstrating reliable performance in real-world applications. Powered by Kao’s proprietary saccharification enzyme technology, developed through long-term research on enzymes for detergents, it supports efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars.

Wheat field by facility for customized enzyme saccharification of biomass

Customized for Diverse Biomass Feedstocks

CRESCENTISTM combines Kao’s customization capabilities with advanced enzyme design to support the selection of enzymes suited to diverse lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks. Using core technology such as Trichoderma reesei, it enables tailored enzyme compositions based on material characteristics and processing conditions, helping improve saccharification efficiency and sugar yield.

Plant residue and enzyme extract for lignocellulosic biomass

Enabling Efficient Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

CRESCENTISTM improves access to cellulose within complex lignocellulosic biomass structures, enabling more effective saccharification into fermentable sugars and supporting efficient downstream biomass utilization.

We’re Here for Your Concerns

Industrial biomass conversion presents challenges that affect saccharification efficiency and process economics. Kao addresses these challenges through industrial enzymes designed for lignocellulosic biomass conversion.

Concern

Different lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks can behave differently during saccharification, making it difficult to identify an enzyme solution that performs consistently across materials.

Solution

CRESCENTISTM can be customized for different lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks, helping align enzyme performance with specific material characteristics and improve saccharification outcomes.

Concern

Sugar yields from lignocellulosic biomass can vary depending on feedstock composition, making effective saccharification important for achieving higher yields and supporting downstream operations.

Solution

CRESCENTISTM provides enzyme solutions for lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks, aligning enzyme performance with substrate characteristics to improve saccharification efficiency and increase sugar yield.

Concern

Low saccharification efficiency can reduce sugar yields and increase overall processing costs, negatively affecting the productivity of biomass conversion processes and downstream operations.

Solution

CRESCENTISTM improves cellulose hydrolysis, helping increase fermentable sugar production while reducing processing costs and supporting efficient biomass conversion across different operating conditions.

Concern

Enzyme supply, process implementation, and compatibility can impact how easily solutions are applied within existing operations.

Solution

Kao’s enzyme solutions are designed to integrate into existing processes, with flexible supply approaches that support operational efficiency and reliability.

Ready to Overcome Your Unique
Biomass Conversion Challenges?

Let KAO design a customized enzyme solution that maximizes your efficiency

Case Study

Vehicle refueling linked to bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass

01.

Bioethanol Research with Automotive Consortium

Challenges

Enzymes account for a significant portion of the production cost of cellulosic ethanol. At the same time, the optimal enzyme composition varies depending on feedstock type and pretreatment methods, making enzyme selection a critical factor in efficient biomass conversion.

Solution

CRESCENTISTM was provided to a research consortium that included Toyota to support biomass conversion research. Used during the saccharification stage, it facilitated the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, enabling more reliable evaluation of enzyme performance for advanced fuel development.

On-site enzyme production for biomass conversion and saccharification

02.

Enhancing Supply Stability with On-Site Enzyme Production Solutions

Challenges

In cases where bioethanol producers process sugarcane bagasse, maintaining a steady supply of saccharification enzymes can be challenging. Dependence on off-site production may introduce delays, inventory limitations, and higher costs, making production planning more difficult.

Solution

Kao’s on-site enzyme production model can be implemented to generate enzymes directly at the biorefinery using proprietary microbial strains. This can reduce reliance on external supply chains, improve supply stability, and support more stable operations while lowering transportation requirements.

What Is On-Site Enzyme Production?

Traditionally, enzymes are produced off-site and transported to biorefineries, which can create delays, increase costs, and expose operations to supply chain disruptions. Kao’s on-site model brings enzyme production directly to the facility using proprietary microbial strains, helping ensure a more stable supply while reducing costs and lowering carbon emissions.

Our Global Presence

From regional operations to global partnerships, Kao supports customers around the world with solutions designed to scale. Our international presence reflects a long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainability.

About
Kao Global Chemicals Japan

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is a global chemical company with a strong presence in consumer products such as detergents.
Its expertise in enzyme processing supports its chemical division in advancing biomass conversion through enzyme technologies.

Kao head office in Japan

Kao chemical research facility

Industry Recognition

Awards and recognitions from global organizations reflecting our commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.

  • Kao's CDP 2024 Triple A rating for climate, forests, and water security

  • Kao's Ethisphere World's Most Ethical Companies award recognition

  • Kao's CDP Supplier Engagement Leader 2024 award recognition

  • Kao's Prime Corporate ESG Performance award recognition

  • Kao's European Responsible Care Awards recognition

News & Annoucements

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