As industries seek to reduce CO₂ emissions, carbon capture is becoming an increasingly important tool for reaching climate targets. However, conventional amin carbon capture requires energy-intensive steam-production and produce toxic chemicals in the waste.

Novonesis produces natural occurring enzymes to improve an enzymatic carbon capture process developed by Saipem. The enzyme accelerates the capture of CO₂ from industrial flue gases. Unlike conventional carbon capture solvents, the enzyme-based solvent is not corrosive and can tolerate impurities in the flue gas. This reduces the need for pre-treatment of the gas and avoids expensive steel.

The enzyme-based process produces no toxic waste, aerosols or contaminants. By replacing hazardous chemicals with biological solutions, carbon capture can be made both more resource-efficient and less dependent on chemical inputs.