Where Biotechnology Meets Sustainability: AB Enzymes Leads the Way

Over the next decades, the operation evolved through international partnerships and acquisitions, culminating in 2024 when Associated British Foods plc acquired the company in full and rebranded it as AB Enzymes. “We’re still a relatively small company, but we’ve been able to make long-term investments thanks to the stability and support of our parent company,” says Pekka Kekki, Managing Director of AB Enzymes Finland Oy. “Even though we’re part of a global group, we operate independently. Our focus is on developing enzyme solutions that make industrial processes more sustainable and efficient,” he adds.

Global Enzyme Reach from a Local Base

From its base in Nurmijärvi, AB Enzymes exports 99.9% of its production to over 60 countries. The company’s logistics chain runs through Reinfeld and Rotterdam, ensuring efficient delivery to customers and distribution centers across the globe.

“Rajamäki is a great location for international business. We’re close to Helsinki Airport and the port, which makes it easy for customers and partners to reach us,” Kekki explains. The company’s operations benefit from Finland’s reliable infrastructure, clean water, and stable electricity supply – all essential for high-quality biotechnological manufacturing.

Enzymes for a More Sustainable Industry

AB Enzymes develops enzyme solutions for four key sectors: animal feed, baking, food processing, and technical applications. In each of these, enzymes play a crucial role in improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing product quality. “Enzymes are biological catalysts. They speed up chemical reactions and help our customers reduce energy use, improve yields, and make their processes more sustainable,” says Juha Isoherranen, Head of Plant Operations.

In animal feed, enzymes like phytase help monogastric animals absorb phosphorus more efficiently, reducing the need for added minerals and minimizing environmental runoff. In some countries, the use of phytase is even mandated by law due to its environmental benefits. “Phytase is a game-changer. It unlocks phosphorus from plant-based feed, reducing the need for mined phosphorus and cutting down on emissions into waterways,” Isoherranen explains.

In baking, enzymes help bread stay fresh and soft longer. In food processing, they increase juice yields and enable the use of by-products, such as turning fish trimmings into broths and sauces. In technical applications, enzymes replace harsh chemicals in processes like denim finishing, paper bleaching, and laundry detergents. It’s safer for workers and better for the environment.

Investing in People and Innovation

Over the past ten years, AB Enzymes has invested more than €100 million in expanding its production capacity in Nurmijärvi. During the same period, the company’s workforce has tripled. Today, nearly 250 professionals work at the Rajamäki site, covering everything from maintenance and quality control to advanced research in molecular biology and bioinformatics. “We’ve built a truly international research team here in Rajamäki. We have experts from India, Spain, Germany, and the UK working side by side with Finnish specialists,” says Isoherranen.

Research and development are supported by strong local partnerships, including VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Business Finland. One recent project focused on recovering waste heat from production processes – a solution that now helps heat the facility and improves overall energy efficiency. “Business Finland has been a great partner. They offer tools that genuinely help companies grow. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to implement sustainable solutions that make a real difference,” notes Kekki.