Phytases were used in many areas such as animal feed, the food industry, the preparation of Myo-inositol phosphate, the paper industry, soil improvement, and the elimination of environmental pollution.

Phytase was developed to reduce the diffuse phosphorus pollution from intensive agriculture. First commercialized in 1991, phytase is now present in over 60% of monogastric feed, and possibly even in a higher percentage of poultry diets, in a growing market.

Phytase is an enzyme that specifically acts on phytate, breaking it down to release phosphorus in a form available to the animal. This greatly reduces the need for supplemental inorganic phosphorus and improves the nutritional value of feedstuffs.