Genencor International Inc. and Ciba Geigy Ltd. have agreed tojointly develop enzymes for the pulp and paper industry.

Genencor of Rochester, N.Y., will research, develop andmanufacture the enzyme products and Ciba will market theproducts worldwide. No financial terms were disclosed. Thecompanies expect the global market to approach $100 millionby the end of the decade.

The pulp and paper industry has been exploring technologiesthat would eliminate the use of chlorine products in wood pulpbleaching, which has been associated with water quality issues,including dioxins. One enzyme, xylanase, allows for a reductionof chlorine consumption, while cellulases enhance waterremoval during the production of specialty papers.

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