Benefits

DSM regards the production of high-value-added products with the aid of micro-organisms as a core activity. The majority of these life science products are produced using classical (non-GMO) biotechnology. The use of modern biotechnology has obvious benefits. For example, using genetically modified micro-organisms can reduce the number of process steps (chemical and otherwise) required during production. This not only makes the production process cleaner and safer; it also means the end product is purer and cheaper. Genetic modification also allows us to make products that could not be made without this technology. Moreover, the Dutch government has decided to invest in modern biotechnology and so create jobs in this sector.

However, despite the many benefits for our customers and for the environment, DSM believes there are limits to the application of genetic modification.

The use of genetically modified micro-organisms results in end products with a higher and more consistent quality than similar products produced in the traditional fashion.

Modern techniques also offer the possibility of making entirely new products and so opening up new markets. A good example is chymosin, which is used as a milk clotting enzyme in the making of cheese. This enzyme was traditionally harvested from the stomachs of calves. DSM has succeeded in transferring the properties of this enzyme to a yeast cell using recombinant-DNA techniques. The chymosin produced in this way is not only consistent in quality but is also fit for use as an ingredient for vegetarian and kosher/halal foodstuffs.

Environmental benefits can be gained from so-called 'green' production processes, where the use of genetically modified micro-organisms means raw materials and energy can be used more efficiently. One example of this is the use of genetically modified fungi in the production of antibiotics, which significantly reduces the number of steps in the production process.

There are also products which by their very nature make a positive contribution to the environment. Adding the phytase enzyme to animal feed means that pigs, fish and chickens can absorb more phosphorus.