2013/06/19

Henkel and c-LEcta start research collaboration

High-performance enzymes for laundry detergents

Henkel and c-LEcta have entered into a collaboration to develop novel enzymes for more sustainable laundry detergents targeting persistent, highly consumer-relevant stains on textiles. In the joint research project c-LEcta will identify substances based on the company’s proprietary enzyme engineering technologies. Henkel’s extensive experience in developing detergent enzymes and formulations will allow determining the ingredients which are most suitable for better stain removal during single-wash applications. 
Enzymes are established ingredients in modern detergents. They take much of the credit for the efficient removal of a broad variety of stains even at low temperatures. In addition, enzymes are able to reduce damage of the clothing during the washing process. It is thanks to continuously improved enzymes that laundry detergents have now become especially energy-saving and resource-conserving products that make an important contribution to sustainability. 
“Our goal is to provide our consumers with products that at the same time improve performance and leave smaller footprints,” comments Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum, Corporate Senior Vice President R&D and Supply Chain Laundry & Home Care at Henkel. “We have selected c-LEcta as a partner due to its strong expertise in developing process-optimized enzymes and its clear focus on the development of market ready products. We believe better enzymes are key to creating innovative detergent products combining maximum cleaning performance with the highest sustainability standards.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with a strong partner like Henkel, thereby contributing to the development of more sustainable laundry detergents,” adds Dr. Marc Struhalla, Co-founder and Managing Director c-LEcta. “We have already demonstrated in various partnerships that the enzyme variety accessible through our biodiversity collections and our efficient enzyme engineering capabilities are very valuable assets for the development of biocatalytic solutions with outstanding activities for demanding process tasks. Also, we have built a strong track record in developing products ready for implementation at the customer’s organization.”

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions in both the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 47,000 people and reported sales of 16,510 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 2,335 million euros in fiscal 2012. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

c-LEcta is an industrial biotechnology company which applies best-in-class biotechnologies to efficiently provide customized enzymes and microbial strains to industrial applications. The company is located in Leipzig and covers a broad range of the value chain from discovery, engineering to commercial production of customized enzymes and strains. Scientific excellence is combined with in depth commercial and regulatory know-how to bring innovative and competitive bioprocessed products into scale.

Photo material is available at http://www.henkel.com/press

Henkel	c-LEcta

Contact	Inga Krueger	Dr. Mathias Bell 	
	Corporate Communications	Senior Business Development Manager     
Phone	+49 211 797-9987	+49 341 355 214 0
Fax	+49 211 798-9832	+49 341 355 214 33
E-mail	inga.krueger@henkel.com	mathias.bell@c-LEcta.de 

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA