Abstract: An enzyme preparation comprising an enzyme having endo-&bgr;-1,4-glucanase activity obtainable from or endogeneous to a strain belonging to the genus Saccharothrix such as Saccharothrix australiensis, IFO 14444; an isolated polynucleotide (DNA) molecule encoding an enzyme or enzyme core (the catalytically active domain of the enzyme) exhibiting endo-&bgr;-1,4-glucanase activity selected from (a) polynucleotide molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide 676 to nucleotide 1470, (b) polynucleotide molecules that encode a polypeptide that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 226 to amino acid residue 490, and (c) degenerate nucleotide sequences of (a) or (b), the expressed endoglucanase and the enzyme preparation being useful in a detergent or fabric softener composition or in the textile industry for improving the properties of cellulosic fibres or fabric or for providing a stone-washed look of denim.