Question

Answer

What is an enzyme?

See Why use an enzyme.

What are the different sources of enzymes?

See Why use an enzyme.

Can enzymes improve our process?

Please contact us and our technical team can determine which enzymes can assist you with making improvements to your new or existing processes.

Are enzymes safe for use in food processing?

Enzymes are not alive and they are not a form of living organism, they are simply inert materials made of protein. They have a long history of safe use in food manufacturing and are not active in the finished foodstuffs.

Where are enzymes used, that I wouldn't normally be aware of?

Botanical extraction, cosmetics.

Why is there a difference in enzyme units from different suppliers?

Historically, different enzymes manufacturers have developed their own assays (with subtle differences) - these are generally not shared between enzyme companies. Biocatalysts has excellent expertise in understanding enzyme unit definitions used by the main enzymes suppliers. Please contact us and we can help you demystify this issue.

What process conditions are important for the use of enzyme?

There are numerous parameters that affect enzyme activity including pH, temperature and time of incubation. Each enzyme has a preferred environment for optimal activity. Biocatalysts provide information on optimal processing conditions on all our product datasheets and more detailed information can be made available upon request.

Can you develop an enzyme to meet our specific process requirements?

Yes. Biocatalysts philosophy is exceeding enzyme expectations; a key element of this is producing new enzyme solutions bespoke to individual customers and applications. We would welcome your enquiry for a new specialist enzyme and our technical team can work with you to determine the best possible solution.

Are all enzymes GMO derived?

No - the majority of commercially available food grade enzymes are produced by naturally occuring strains of organism.

How often does Biocatalysts launch new products?

Biocatalysts aim to launch between six and ten new products every year.   Our customer  satisfaction surveys show that our customers appreciate it when we go to them with new ideas and this is why we are an innovation focused company. If you have any ideas or projects you would like to discuss with a member of Biocatalysts, please take a closer look at our innovations page or email us on innovations@biocats.com.

Where are Biocatalysts' research and development team located?

Our core technical and new product development teams are located at our facility in Cardiff, UK. This houses dedicated research laboratories including a food production laboratory and pilot scale development and enzyme production equipment. In addition we have a broad network of academic contacts with whom we work on both a practical and consultative basis (through confidentiality agreements), allowing us constant access to cutting edge technology and knowledge.

Can Biocatalysts help us innovate?

Yes, we welcome opportunities to share our innovative ideas for new enzyme products and we can provide options for open discussions on innovation either through meetings, via teleconference, telephone discussions or email. Confidentiality agreements can be executed prior to commercially sensitive discussions.

Are all your enzymes suitable for use in Vegetarian, Halal or Kosher products?

Most of our microbial and plant derived enzymes are available as certified for use in Kosher and Halal processes. But this must be requested at the time of ordering.

Do you manufacture pharmaceutical grade enzymes?

We do not test our products to pharmacopoeial monographs. All of our products are manufactured to food grade standards.

How is the enzyme activity measured?

Assay methods are available upon request.

How do you de-activate the enzyme?

Enzymes are active within optimum pH and temperature ranges. De-activation occurs when the process conditions are changed to take these parameters outside the  optimum range.

What is the product shelf-life?

Generally, powder products have 12 months  shelf-life while liquids have  6 months.

Can the shelf-life be extended?

We can re-assay material and re-issue CoA.

Do you capsulate enzymes?

No.

Do you immobilise enzymes?

No.

What is the minimum order quantity?

The mimimum order quantity varies depending on the product.

What are your sample sizes?

Sample sizes vary depending on the product.

Do you send CoAs with samples?

CoAs are not  routinely sent with samples. If you require a CoA , please mention this when requesting your samples. Please note there will be a  small charge  for this.

How will the sample be delivered?

Samples are delivered by mail or courier depending on the product and the destination.

When will the sample be despatched?

Samples are despatched within 3 working days.

How do I place an order?

Please click here to go to our product order page and complete an enquiry form.

What is the lead time?

Our standard lead time is 6 working days from receipt of order to date of despatch.

Can I request certificates for: origin, ingredients, specification, GMO etc?

These certificates are available upon request.

What are the incoterms?

CPT, DDU, CFR.

Can I have non-standard packaging?

Yes. Non-standard packaging is available on most orders on request. Please contact us at sales@biocats.com for further information about costs and lead times.

Can you label with supplementary information?

Yes. We can add customer-specific supplementary labels. Please enquire about this at the time of your order.

Can I have my product labelled in a language other than English?

Yes, however, we do request that you provide us with the translated text. There may be a set-up fee.

How quickly will I get my products?

Depending on your location and available means of transport we are able to ship by courier, road transport, air freight or deep sea cargo. We hold limited stocks of frequently-sold enzymes and are also happy to manufacture to firm forecast or forward order. This means that we can normally despatch within a standard lead time of 6 days, however for unforecasted product at times of peak demand this may be extended. Delivery times vary according to method of despatch but we can offer next day service to UK, 2-3 days by courier to most of Europe / USA, and approx. 1 week further afield. Road/Air/Sea delivery times are dependent on flight and sailing schedules.

What are your office hours?

08:30 – 17:00 hrs GMT

Can I speak to someone 24/7?

If you need to contact us out of our office hours, please send an email to sales@biocats.com or via our website. Your enquiry will be responded to within 24 hours excluding weekends and Bank Holidays.

We would like to represent your company in our country:

We are not currently seeking  new distributors, traders or agents.