Setting the washing machine to a hot wash to remove grease, food and dirt from clothing could become a thing of the past, according to researchers in Norway.

Such stains are usually washed at 40 or 60 degrees Celsius, and the idea of washing clothes at 25 degrees might seem far-fetched. However, this is already a reality in some countries and could soon become widespread in Europe.

The benefits are clear: washing at lower temperatures reduces the energy required to heat water, thereby lowering energy consumption, along with household bills and carbon footprint. The challenge, however, lies in developing enzymes for detergents that perform as effectively at colder temperatures as they do at warmer ones.

Such enzymes would expand the range of stains that can be removed at lower temperatures, ensuring that clothes are thoroughly cleaned even in cold washes.

Nikola Lončar, chief executive of Gecco, a Netherlands company specialising in advanced enzyme technologies, explains that the enzymes currently used in detergents are optimised for high temperatures, typically around 60 degrees Celsius. However, many enzymes are highly sensitive to temperature and can lose their effectiveness at around 40 degrees Celsius.

Gecco is part of the EU-funded OXIPRO project, which aims to develop new enzymes—specifically oxidoreductases—that function efficiently at low temperatures and can be used in environmentally friendly consumer products.

Gro Bjerga, research director at the NORCE research centre in Norway, and coordinator of the OXIPRO project, explains why the project focuses on oxidoreductases.

"Oxidoreductases are a type of enzyme that accelerate biological redox reactions by transferring electrons from one molecule to another. They are essential for human energy production, detoxification, and biosynthesis within our cells," Bjerga says.

While oxidoreductases are already used in various industries, their application is less widespread compared to other enzymes. However, they have already made significant positive impacts in the cleaning and textile industries for bleaching and stain removal.

These enzymes can replace traditional bleaching agents like chlorine, which can have toxic effects on water systems and ecosystems. By using laccases, a type of oxidoreductase, process temperatures can be lowered, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints. Additionally, the enzymes break down into harmless components after use, further minimising environmental impact.

Low temperature detergents

Laundry detergent is a key focus of OXIPRO, and the researchers aim to contribute to lower energy consumption by developing enzymes that work in detergents and operate well at cold temperatures. A key partner in the project is Danish company Novonesis, one of the world's largest enzyme producers.

Kirk Schnorr, a specialist in new enzymes at Novonesis, sees great potential in natural environment of the Nordic region for developing enzymes that function at low temperatures, "Organisms in the North Sea or the Finnish forests could be sources of fast, efficient enzymes adapted to cold environments," he says.

He believes that the current era could mark a golden age for enzymes, particularly in reducing the use of harmful chemicals in various industries. Enzymes are already widely used in products today, and OXIPRO aims to further their application by incorporating lifecycle assessments that evaluate the environmental impact of enzyme production.

Unlike many chemicals, enzymes biodegrade without leaving harmful residues, making them a more sustainable option.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Washing at colder temperatures often results in less efficient stain removal, not due to the enzymes themselves, but because it is inherently more difficult to remove soil from fabric at lower temperatures.

Novonesis has already developed highly efficient enzymes for detergents, but there is always room for improvement, especially for enzymes that perform well at room temperature or colder. The COVID-19 pandemic has also shifted consumer demands, with a growing need for laundry detergents that not only clean but also have antimicrobial properties.

Gecco is working on stabilising enzymes that can generate antimicrobial compounds during the wash cycle.

Scaling-up enzyme production presents another significant challenge. Lilly Amore, head of technology development at Biocatalysts, a UK company specialising in enzyme development, explains the complexities of scaling up production.

"One of the main challenges is designing a production process that is scalable, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations," Amore says.

Lončar agrees, noting that scaling-up is both difficult and expensive. Regulatory barriers are high, and significant investment in machinery is often required.

Introducing new enzyme-based products to the market also requires broader consumer acceptance. Many consumers are unfamiliar with enzymes and their benefits, making it essential to improve public understanding of the technology.

Lončar emphasises the need for better communication of scientific advancements to the general public and increased public-private partnerships.

"Science takes time, and regulations take even longer. A four-year project like OXIPRO is not enough to bring new products to market. Projects need to last longer to achieve meaningful change," Lončar says.

Amore also highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, describing public-private partnerships as "crucial" for accelerating enzyme-based solutions.

Sustainable future
The OXIPRO project represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future, where enzymes play a central role in reducing the environmental impact of everyday products. By fostering collaboration between researchers, industry leaders and end-users, the project aims to bring innovative enzyme-based solutions to market, ultimately contributing to a greener world.

"Bringing together expertise from end-users, enzyme producers, and scientific innovation teams is key to creating solutions that can be absorbed by society. This is how we can make a significant impact on a greener world," says Bjerga.