Courtesy of dsm-firmenich
dsm-firmenich, innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty, introduces Maxiren®EVO, the latest breakthrough in coagulant enzymes designed to transform cheese production. Maxiren®EVO is engineered with cutting-edge fermentation technology and targets alpha s-1 (αs1) casein via a highly specific mode of action to deliver better texture and flavor development, improved yields, and increased processing flexibility.
Today’s cheese manufacturers face multiple challenges, from evolving quality requirements and demand for enhanced texture and taste to improving sliceability and shredding and optimizing whey value—all while ensuring efficient and sustainable production. Maxiren®EVO helps cheesemakers tackle these modern-day hurdles with one solution. Maxiren®EVO is part of the Maxiren® range, a complete portfolio of 100% pure chymosin enzymes produced by fermentation.
Enhanced flexibility for processing freedom
A standout feature of Maxiren®EVO is its ability to precisely convert αs1 casein into a αs1-i casein, leading to fast curd knitting, superior water binding, better moisture distribution, and improved emulsification. At the same time, its low proteolytic activity ensures the cheese retains its structure and smoothness throughout its shelf life, preventing cutting losses, stickiness, or texture degradation.
This unique combination of features results in cheese with a uniform texture throughout its lifespan. Maxiren®EVO enables cheesemakers to slice and shred their cheese earlier into maturation, providing greater flexibility in processing. Additionally, it helps maintain a high-quality texture throughout the cheese’s shelf life, allowing it to be processed and sold even in its later stages—preserving quality for the long term.
Maxiren®EVO also performs exceptionally well at low pH levels, making it ideal for fast-processing applications like mozzarella production, where pre-acidification is commonly used. Beyond cheese production, Maxiren®EVO ensures no residual enzyme activity after processing, allowing cheesemakers to diversify revenue streams without compromising quality.
“The cheesemaking industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable, resource-efficient processes while catering to consumer expectations for consistent quality,” said Ardy van Erp, Business Director Cheese at dsm-firmenich. “With Maxiren®EVO, we’re delivering exactly what cheesemakers need: unprecedented flexibility, superior performance, and the ability to meet growing demand for pizza-perfect cheeses that stay golden after cooking and deliver a melt-in-the-mouth stretch, even at the end of their shelf-life.
“What’s more, cheese producers have the option to maximize the benefits of Maxiren®EVO in mozzarella applications by pairing it with Delvo®Cheese CP-500 cultures—which can increase mozzarella yield without compromising on quality.”
Enhancing cheese meltability and appearance
Maxiren®EVO enhances cheese melting by improving water distribution, fat emulsification, and protein integrity, resulting in superior texture, stretch, and appearance. It also prevents hot spots and ensures uniform browning, while its impact on emulsification enhances stretchability by maintaining protein structure and reducing oiling off. This leads to long, smooth strands of melted cheese, a consistent golden-brown surface, and a refined mouthfeel after baking.
Boosting taste, yield, and sustainability
By targeting αs1 casein with precision, Maxiren®EVO stimulates flavor formation, contributing to a clean, robust cheese flavor without bitterness. In addition to optimizing cheese quality, Maxiren®EVO offers tangible environmental and economic advantages. By increasing moisture retention by up to 1.7%, cheesemakers can produce more cheese from the same amount of milk. This translates to a reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 1.6% compared to first-generation fermentation-produced coagulants.[i]
A trusted partner in innovation
dsm-firmenich is committed to being a trusted partner for cheesemakers, offering technical expertise and tailored solutions to help optimize production processes. The company provides a suite of services, including process scans, coagulation optimization, and troubleshooting support, ensuring its customers achieve the best possible results.
For more information about Maxiren®EVO and how dsm-firmenich is supporting cheesemakers around the world, please visit the website.
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
[i] Results are based on life cycle assessment study performed internally by dsm-firmenich.
