CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 11, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq: VRNM), a pioneer in the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol and high-performance specialty enzymes, today announced the introduction of Xylathin, a highly active enzyme designed to significantly improve the economics of fuel ethanol production from cereal grains. Xylathin rapidly breaks down xylan, a compound found in cereal grains such as wheat, rye and barley and significantly reduces mash viscosity. This faster acting enzyme allows producers to shorten retention times and reduce enzyme dose. Xylathin also reduces grain water retention lowering grain drying energy requirements.
“Verenium is pleased to announce the launch of its new enzyme, Xylathin, further expanding its product portfolio in the grain ethanol market,” said Janet Roemer, Verenium’s Executive Vice President, Specialty Enzymes Business. “Xylathin is effective over a wide temperature and pH range allowing ethanol producers greater operational flexibility and significant reductions in processing costs.”
The main markets for Xylathin are Europe and Canada, which are the largest global regions that process wheat into fuel ethanol. Verenium and its distribution partner, Add Food Service GmbH, began selling Xylathin directly to wheat ethanol producers in the first quarter of 2010.
To learn more about Xylathin and Verenium’s Specialty Enzyme Business, look for product information on the sponsor table at the 15th Annual RFA National Ethanol Conference being held February 15 - 17, 2010 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
About Verenium
Verenium Corporation is a leader in the development and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol, an environmentally-friendly and renewable transportation fuel, as well as high-performance specialty enzymes for applications within the biofuels, industrial, and animal health markets. The Company possesses integrated, end-to-end capabilities and cutting-edge technology in pre-treatment, novel enzyme development, fermentation and project development for next-generation biofuels. Through Vercipia, a 50-50 joint venture with BP, the Company is moving rapidly to commercialize cellulosic technology for the production of ethanol from a wide array of non-food feedstocks, including dedicated energy crops, agricultural waste, and wood products. In addition to the vast potential for biofuels, a multitude of large-scale industrial opportunities exist for the Company for products derived from the production of low-cost, biomass-derived sugars. Verenium’s Specialty Enzyme business harnesses the power of enzymes to create a broad range of specialty products to meet high-value commercial needs. Verenium’s world class R&D organization is renowned for its capabilities in the rapid screening, identification, and expression of enzymes-proteins that act as the catalysts of biochemical reactions. For more information on Verenium, visit http://www.verenium.com.
