How is protease (subtilisin) used in detergents and what drives its demand in China?

How is protease (subtilisin) used in detergents and what drives its demand in China?
Subtilisin protease is a workhorse enzyme in industrial applications, especially detergents, where it hydrolyzes protein stains. Its use extends to leather processing, silk degumming, contact lens cleaners, cosmetics, and dairy production. The 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized directed evolution of subtilisin, enabling engineered variants with higher catalytic activity and bleach tolerance, which expanded its industrial value. China's protease market is growing with the shift toward enzyme-based green manufacturing, and domestic production capacity is rising. Global protease market exceeds USD 3 billion, with industrial enzymes accounting for about 60% of that share. Key demand drivers include detergent formulation upgrades, environmental regulations favoring bio-based chemicals, and cost-competitive domestic fermentation. Watch for capacity expansions by Chinese enzyme producers and import substitution trends.