Fatty amines are key functional chemicals with cationic and surface‑active properties, broadly used in cosmetics, detergents, coatings, and agriculture. The global market is projected to reach USD 5.54 billion by 2027. Current industrial production relies almost exclusively on the fossil‑based “nitrile route,” which is energy‑intensive, generates hazardous by‑products, and requires harsh conditions and toxic catalysts. Selectivity limitations further reduce efficiency. Although enzymatic alternatives are emerging, their high cost, limited robustness, and fragmented development strategies hinder large‑scale adoption.
FLEXIZYME addresses these challenges by developing the first integrated biotechnological platform for producing bio‑based fatty amines (FA) from fat‑ and protein‑rich side streams.FLEXIZYME unites enzyme engineering, in‑silico design, data‑driven biocatalysis, advanced reactor concepts, and early downstream solutions into a systematic, cross‑disciplinary framework. Machine learning, structural modelling, and process control strategies support rapid development and optimisation.
The platform is guided by LCA and TEA to ensure environmental performance, cost‑competitiveness, and circularity. Industrial validation in the cosmetics, detergents, and agriculture sectors will confirm technology relevance and market readiness.
By valorising low‑value residues from the agro‑food and oleochemical industries, FLEXIZYME contributes directly to European Green Deal goals, the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. Target impacts include a 30% reduction in GHG emissions, FA production costs below €5/kg, and improved recovery efficiency compared to chemical benchmarks. Delivering a TRL5 platform, FLEXIZYME will support the emergence of new bio‑based value chains, influence consumer and market behaviour, and create new opportunities for the EU biotechnology and biochemical industry.
