What NZ Buyers Need to Know About Enzyme Degreasers

Enzyme-based degreasers take a different approach to removing grease and protein build-up. Instead of relying mainly on caustic or solvent-based chemicals, they use enzymes such as lipase and protease to break down organic residues into smaller components that can be washed away. For NZ facilities, this can make enzyme-based products an option worth considering where reducing reliance on harsher chemicals and managing trade-waste requirements are priorities. 

How Do Enzyme-Based Degreasers Actually Break Down Grease?

Enzymes are proteins that speed up a specific chemical reaction without being consumed themselves. Lipases target fats and oils, proteases target protein residue, and amylases target starches, so a blended enzyme degreaser can work on mixed kitchen or industrial soil rather than just one type.

Some products go further and add live bacteria alongside the enzymes, a process called bioaugmentation. The enzymes break large grease molecules into smaller fragments, and the bacteria then consume those fragments as food, continuing to digest residue in a drain or grease trap for hours after the initial application. Pure Clean's Bio-Zyme Industrial Enzyme-Based Deodouriser & Degreaser works this way, and is sold in 1L and 5L sizes for grease traps, septic tanks, holding ponds, and drains. For general surface cleaning rather than grease-trap maintenance, Bio-Zyme Cleaner uses the same enzyme approach on washable surfaces instead.

Are Enzyme Cleaners As Effective As Caustic Or Solvent Degreasers?

That really comes down to what needs cleaning and how quickly the job needs to be completed. Caustic and solvent degreasers are suited to jobs where grease needs to be removed quickly. Enzyme-based products generally take longer to work, but they can be useful for regular maintenance and applications where a gentler cleaning approach is preferred. 

Neither type is a universal answer. Many NZ facilities use a caustic or solvent degreaser for a fast initial clean and an enzyme product for ongoing drain and grease-trap maintenance between deep cleans. Pure Clean's industrial cleaning collection stocks both types side by side if you need to compare current options.

Can You Legally Use Enzyme Dosing In A Grease Trap In New Zealand?

Not always; it depends on your local council. Under these requirements, installations must meet G13 Foul Water and its G13/AS2 acceptable solution, and alternatives like grease interceptors or automatic dosing systems generally need separate approval from your local water authority.

Auckland's Watercare assesses grease converters and interceptors against the Auckland Trade Waste Bylaw 2013 on a case-by-case basis. Some other councils are stricter: Tasman District Council's wastewater bylaw prohibits new installations of enzyme-based grease converters, allowing only systems installed before July 2015 to continue under specific conditions. Before you specify automatic enzyme dosing as a grease trap's primary treatment method, check your own council's trade waste bylaw rather than assuming it's permitted everywhere.

What Should Procurement Teams Check Before Buying An Enzyme-Based Degreaser?

Check the SDS and any independent certifications rather than relying on "eco-friendly" marketing copy alone. Enzyme products vary widely in formulation and performance, and the claims worth verifying are specific ones.

1. Confirm the HSNO classification on the current SDS. Bio-Zyme's manufacturer describes its industrial degreaser as non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-corrosive, but you should confirm this against the SDS for the exact product and batch you're buying.

2. Check for named third-party certifications rather than generic claims. Bio-Zyme's own site lists Eco Choice Aotearoa licensing, an MPI-approved compound code (C32), and BioGro certification for its industrial degreaser, which you can verify against the certifying bodies directly.

3. Match the application temperature and pH to your process. Enzymes are proteins and can be deactivated by very hot water, direct contact, or strongly acidic conditions, so check the label before combining an enzyme product with another chemical in the same wash-down.

4. Confirm dosing frequency for ongoing maintenance. Enzyme products for grease traps and drains typically need repeat dosing on a schedule, not a single application, so factor that into your consumables budget.

If your facility also handles food or dairy products rather than just wastewater, our guide to MPI approved cleaning chemicals in NZ covers the separate maintenance-compound approval process that applies. For household-scale grease stain removal or industrial degreasing, see our guide to removing grease stains instead.

FAQ

Do enzyme based degreasers work as fast as caustic degreasers?

No. Caustic and solvent degreasers act on contact, while enzyme-based products typically need time to work, and bioaugmented versions continue working longer after application. Many sites use caustic products for essential cleaning and enzymes for ongoing maintenance.

Will hot water or bleach stop an enzyme cleaner from working?

Often, yes. Enzymes are proteins and can denature under high heat or strong bleach, which reduces their effectiveness, so check the product label before combining an enzyme cleaner with very hot water or chlorine-based products in the same application.

Can I install an automatic enzyme dosing system in my grease trap?

It depends on your local council's trade waste bylaw. Auckland's Watercare approves grease converters and interceptors case by case under the Auckland Trade Waste Bylaw 2013, while Tasman District Council prohibits new enzyme-based grease converter installations, so check with your own council before committing to a system.

Is Bio-Zyme's industrial degreaser classified as hazardous under HSNO?

The manufacturer describes it as non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable, and lists Eco Choice Aotearoa, MPI, and BioGro credentials on its own site. Confirm the current HSNO classification against the product's SDS before use, since formulations and classifications can change.

What sizes is the Bio-Zyme Industrial degreaser available in at Pure Clean?

It's listed in 1L and 5L sizes, priced from $30.90 NZD excl. GST at time of writing. Confirm current pricing and stock on the product page before ordering, as prices are subject to change.

Browse the Bio-Zyme range at Pure Clean Supplies to compare enzyme based cleaners, foamers, and dispensing systems for your site, or order a Bio-Zyme Sample Kit to test the right solution for your needs.