This is
INNOVATIVE. PIONEERING. RESPONSIBLE.
Our roots lie where groundbreaking discoveries are made: in research and science. As a spin-off from a university institute, we research and produce nematodes and other natural organisms that can replace the use of chemical agents. Today, with our extensive plant facilities and a total capacity of over 600,000 litres, we are one of the world's largest manufacturers of nematodes and biological plant protection products through fermentation. Our customer base includes industrial groups, international trading partners, farmers, horticultural businesses and hobby gardeners all over the world.
This means that we offer a natural alternative to chemical pesticides around the globe. In doing so, we are making a sustainable contribution to natural horticulture, environmentally friendly agriculture and the future of agriculture and global food supply.
e-nema GmbH in Schwentinental, northern Germany
HISTORY
Biotech for Nature – For over 25 years
We did not invent pest-controlling nematodes – but we were the first to cultivate them. In a research project at the University of Kiel, a working group led by Dr. Ralf Udo Ehlers succeeded in cultivating insect-pathogenic nematodes in a bioreactor for the first time in 1989. Eight years later, Dr. Ehlers, together with Dr. Arne Peters and Tillmann Frank, founded e-nema GmbH, based in Schwentinental near Kiel. Their goal: to translate scientific innovations into usable and environmentally friendly products. Their mission: to make biological plant protection available to as many users as possible.
Dr Arne Peters with one of the first bioreactors at the time
On course for growth
Our production history began in 1997 with the fermentation of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, an insect-pathogenic nematode, in a 500-litre bioreactor. We recognised early on that the only way to move from a niche market to the mainstream was through scaling up. No matter how effective the products are, they cannot be brought to market unless it is economically viable to do so. From the very beginning, every euro earned was invested in expanding our research and production capacities. We now produce numerous different species of nematodes and bacteria, as well as various yeasts and fungi, in a range of bioreactors of different sizes.
Dr. Arne Peters today in front of our bioreactor "Obelix"
OUR MISSION
We research and produce nematodes and microorganisms that can replace the use of chemical pesticides. With these natural solutions, we deliver better results for the environment, healthier working conditions in horticulture and agriculture, and a safe and sustainable food supply for future generations.
BIOTECH PRODUCTION
Large-scale fermentation of small organisms
Our bioreactors enable us to produce nematodes and microorganisms on an industrial scale – a skill that only a few companies worldwide have mastered. We do this both for our own products, which we market under the brand name e-nema, and as a contract manufacturer for other companies. Our capacities are clearly geared towards growth: with fermenters and downstream processing equipment in various sizes, we are ready to meet the increasing demand for natural plant protection products.
Learn more about our production
Bioreactors with a volume of 120,000 litres
Production of beneficial nematodes
Our core competence is the production of beneficial nematodes. Nematodes are small threadworms measuring approximately 0.5 millimetres in length. They are among the most species-rich multicellular organisms, with over 30,000 species described worldwide. Some of these species are the natural enemies of numerous harmful insects and can combat them. We produce these species on a large scale and sell them worldwide as a safe and natural solution for controlling pests in agriculture, horticulture and plant cultivation.
Learn more about nematodes
Nematodes of the species Steinernema feltiae
Responsibility
Chemical products used in parks, gardens and agriculture are a threat to the health of plants, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians, and humans alike. Chemical products were a short-term solution to produce more crops. They are not a sustainable solution for the future. The costs for our planet’s eco systems – and for humanity – are simply too high.
The solution lies in nature: Biological plant protection products protect our planet’s soils and water resources, reduce air pollution, and protect biodiversity. That is exactly the type of product we make at e-nema. And we make sure that our products are useful to farmers and hobby gardeners, horticulturists, and growers alike. Green products, for greener and healthier lawns, gardens, and farms.
RESEARCH
When nature and technology join forces
Great things can happen. We originated from a university research project, and curiosity remains one of our strongest driving forces. We believe that the challenges nature presents us with can best be solved with solutions from nature. In addition to scaling up our production capacities, we invest heavily in research and development to improve existing products or develop new ones. Over the years, we have built up an international network and are active partners in numerous research projects.
Research projects
LOCATION
At home on the coast
Our company location in Schwentinental combines the best of both worlds. On the one hand, our proximity to Kiel University, the birthplace of e-nema GmbH, ensures a continuous scientific exchange and a highly qualified workforce. With its own ICE train station and less than an hour's drive to Hamburg Airport, our location is excellently connected to an international transport network.
At the same time, Kiel also scores highly outside of work with its attractive amenities. With the Baltic Sea on its doorstep, and the Natureprk "Holsteinische Schweiz" behind it, as well as a rich cultural program, Kiel offers an above-average quality of life. This also explains why we are able to attract so many bright minds to our growing company.
Work at e-nema
ENGAGEMENT
Growing together
Beyond our purely business activities, we also have a responsibility towards the environment and society. That is why we strive to design our activities in all areas in such a way that not only we derive maximum benefit from them, but all stakeholders do as well. We aim to achieve this through cooperation and commitment that goes beyond purely business relationships.
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