Enzymes sound like a laboratory product, but in many Indian mills they have quietly become a regular wet-end tool. Used well, they cut power bills on the refiners and give a stronger sheet from the same fibre.
What enzymes are
Enzymes are natural proteins that speed up a specific reaction. In papermaking, each type works on one part of the furnish – cellulose, hemicellulose, starch or pitch – and leaves the rest alone. That precision is what makes them useful.
Where mills use them
Refining
Cellulase-type enzymes open up the fibre surface before refining. The refiner then needs less energy to reach the same freeness, or gives better strength at the same energy.
Drainage
On recycled and agro furnish, enzymes can reduce fines and slime that hold water, improving drainage on the wire and lowering steam use.
Pitch and stickies
Lipase enzymes break down pitch from wood and some agro fibres, reducing deposits on felts and press rolls. Other enzymes help with stickies in recycled fibre, alongside stickies control products.
Deinking
Enzymes help release toner and ink from office waste, supporting deinking chemicals.
Starch conversion
Amylase enzymes convert native maize starch into size-press starch inside the mill – often cheaper than buying modified starch.
Benefits
- Lower refining energy – a direct saving on the power bill.
- Better tensile and burst from the same fibre.
- Faster drainage and lower steam consumption.
- Fewer pitch deposits and cleaner felts.
- A gentler, more environment-friendly process.
Use cases
- Kraft paper and liner mills refining recycled fibre.
- Agro-based mills using bagasse or straw.
- Tissue mills looking for strength with softness.
- Textile units for desizing and bio-polishing.
Getting good results
- Enzymes are sensitive to temperature and pH – check that your stock conditions suit the product.
- Allow enough contact time before the refiner.
- Do not mix with strong biocides at the same point; they can deactivate the enzyme.
- Run a trial with energy meter readings before and after.
FAQ
Are enzymes safe to handle?
Yes, with normal care: gloves, eye protection and avoiding breathing dust or mist.
Do enzymes replace starch or strength resins?
No – they make the fibre work better, so you may need less of other additives.
Want to cut refining power? Tell us your furnish, refiner and current energy use – we will suggest an enzyme and trial plan. Talk to us →