India’s rapid expansion of bioenergy, biofuels, nutrition and wellness products is significantly increasing demand for enzymes, probiotics and microbial solutions, according to Danish bio-solutions company Novonesis. The company said demand is rising across multiple industries, including biofuel manufacturing, dietary supplements, biofertilisers and food processing, as businesses increasingly adopt biological alternatives to improve efficiency and reduce resource consumption.
Bioeconomy Creates New Growth Opportunities
Novonesis was formed in 2024 through the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen. The company believes India’s growing bioeconomy presents substantial opportunities as industries replace conventional chemical-based processes with bio-based technologies. “Bio-ethanol and bio-fuels are a very big topic, and Novonesis has been a major part of this conversion process, bringing in technology together with engineering partners,” said Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, Middle East, India and Africa, Novonesis.
Biofuels and Renewable Energy Drive Enzyme Demand
Although ethanol remains the most visible opportunity, Novonesis expects strong growth across the broader bioenergy sector, including biogas, biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Puvvada noted that these segments remain relatively underpenetrated in India and offer significant room for expansion as the country accelerates its renewable energy transition. Enzymes play a crucial role in improving conversion efficiency, increasing production yields and lowering manufacturing costs. Consequently, they are becoming increasingly important as India scales up its biofuel blending and bioenergy programmes.
Novonesis Expands Manufacturing in India
In India, Novonesis manufactures juice enzymes, probiotics and vitamin K2 at its facilities in Patalganga and Wada, with products exported to global markets. The company has invested approximately Rs. 4,000 crore in its Indian operations so far. In addition, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Maharashtra earlier this year to invest a further Rs. 2,500–3,000 crore in the state. About 10% of Novonesis’ global workforce, including research and development personnel, is based in India.
India Business Records Double-Digit Growth
According to Puvvada, Novonesis has been witnessing double-digit growth in India. Beyond bioenergy, the company is seeing increasing demand from the food and health sector, animal nutrition and biofertiliser industry. The probiotics market, in particular, is expanding rapidly as Indian consumers become more health-conscious and better informed about preventive healthcare. “The probiotics space is dramatically expanding as the country becomes wealthier and more well-informed,” Puvvada said.
Nutrition and Food Processing Offer Additional Potential
Novonesis also sees significant opportunities in early-life nutrition, including infant formula production. The company expects continued demand for bio-solutions in dairy processing, bread and bakery production, cheese manufacturing, starch processing, plant-based foods, food additives.
Outlook
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as India expands its biofuel capacity, promotes renewable energy and experiences rising demand for wellness and nutrition products, companies supplying enzymes, probiotics and microbial technologies are expected to benefit from sustained long-term growth across multiple industrial and consumer sectors.
