Rebecca Wright05.01.10
Founded half a century ago, Specialty Enzymes & Biotechnologies Co. (SEB), Chino, CA, has emerged as a worldwide leader in the production of plant, microbial and animal-based enzymes. As the story goes, in 1957, company founder L.C. Rathi pioneered the extraction of papain, an enzyme complex derived from papaya fruit that is widely used for pharmaceutical and medical purposes. Over the years, SEB has expanded its business to more than 25 industries worldwide. Today it provides enzyme solutions for baking, animal nutrition, juices, dairy, alcohol production and dietary supplements.
Mike Smith, vice president, SEB, commented on the industries his company serves globally. “In North America the demand for dietary supplements is higher than anywhere else in the world, so this represents a significant portion of our business in the U.S,” he said. “In Asia, however, we are very involved in textiles and animal feed. And in Europe it is a mix of dietary supplements, fruit juice and alcohol production.”
Mr. Smith says growth in the enzyme market has been steady for the last several years. For SEB in particular, growth has been in the double-digits. “You don’t see big articles on enzymes on the evening news—most of the growth has come from word of mouth. This very quiet, consistent growth has gone on for the last 25 years,” he said. “As for SEB, our growth has been very positive year on year. In fact, 2009 was our best year ever.”
As far as the dietary supplement industry goes, Mr. Smith believes growth has been solid here as well. “I think people are continuing to buy their dietary supplements because they consider them an essential part of their diet, rather than a luxury. This is probably because research continues to show significant health benefits.”
One of SEB’s subsidiaries is called Advanced Supplemental Therapies (AST) Enzymes. It provides healthcare professionals and consumers with pharmaceutical-grade enzyme supplements for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, joint, digestive and colon health. Its complete line of supplements include Serracor-NK, Exclzyme, Floracor-GI, DigeSEB-GI, Peptizyme-SP and Exclzyme 2AF. These products are manufactured and formulated in-house.
Speaking of formulations, SEB utilizes environmentally-friendly biotechnology as its base, which has led to the development of more than 400 unique enzyme products. “From amylase to xylanase and everything in between, SEB manufactures enzymes and probiotics, both of which add value to our client’s endeavors and enhance the quality of life for all,” the company says. “As an actual manufacturer, our technical enzyme experts create enzyme solutions for virtually any application where the catalytic power of enzymes can be used.”
Further, SEB provides a full-spectrum of enzymes derived from all four natural origins: plant, fungal, bacterial and animal. SEB also manufactures probiotics, especially Bacillus coagulans and Saccharomyces boulardii. It also uses the most advanced solid state and submerged fermentation technologies available. “Solid state fermentation,” Mr. Smith claims, “produces much more active enzymes in certain categories like pectinases and hemicellulases. But few manufacturers are involved in solid state fermentation because of its sophistication and expense.”
For dietary supplements specifically, SEB focuses on two categories—digestive and systemic enzymes. “Digestive enzymes are fairly obvious,” said Mr. Smith, “but then there are more condition-specific enzymes that can help with issues such as lactose and gluten intolerance, for example. Our systemic enzymes play a role in areas like joint health and inflammation.”
Mr. Smith went on to say that SEB also specializes in developing proprietary formulas that fit the needs of different categories related to digestive and systemic use. “The most important thing about an enzyme is its activity,” he said. “We devote a lot of time to helping companies find the right activity for the right product.”
Industries such as food, beverage, cosmetics and nutraceuticals also depend on SEB’s enzymes to increase the rate, quality and quantity of production. In the end, this brings cost-saving benefits to both manufacturer and end-user by offering better product control, greater efficiency, lower energy requirements and distinctive environmental advantages, according to the company.—R.W.
Specialty Enzymes & Biotechnologies Co.
13591 Yorba Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
Telephone: 909-613-1660
Fax: 909-613-1663
E-mail: adm@specialtyenzymes.com
Website: www.specialtyenzymes.com
