Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Sani Marc Group, founded in 1969 at Victoriaville, QC, Canada, is a leader in the manufacture and distribution of cleaning and sanitizing products for industry, agri-food, swimming and spa applications. Always concerned about the protection of the environment, Sani Marc arises to meet the needs on the market in cleaning and sanitizing products by optimizing operating conditions and reducing environmental impact. Likewise, the Sani Marc Group is interested in the production of 'green' enzymes obtained by the fermentation of agri-food residues, such as compost leachate and whey. The enzymes of interest are proteases and lipases produced by Bacillus sp and Rhizobium sp. The production of these enzymes using Bacillus is well documented and the development of a bioprocesses using agri-food residues is highly feasible. In the case of using Rhizobium to produce lipases, the project will let to verify if it would be techno-economically feasible. The project will include the optimization of fermentation and enzyme extraction-purification. The formulations of enzymes will be tested in terms of stability and as raw materials for producing cleaning products. The project focuses the zero-waste concept, by exploring the valorization of liquid wastes. The production of green enzymes will consolidate the leading position of Sani Marc Group in North America as an environmentally responsible enterprise. This project will allow the development of new eco-friendly products which could be organic certified.