Starch Pros

August 08^th 2023

Combining starch with PLA improves its industrial compostability, researchers claim.

Published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering and supported by the US Department of Agriculture and MSU AgBioResearch, the team’s research suggests that PLA can sit in industrial composting conditions for around 20 days before microbial decomposition begins. In response, thermoplastic starch derived from carbohydrates has been precisely implemented into PLA, which apparently provides a substance for the microbes to break down while the PLA degrades.

A collaboration between postdoctoral researcher Anibal Bher and doctoral students Pooja Mayekar and Wanwarang Limsukon combined their knowledge to draw upon Bher’s existing research into the strength, clarity, and other benefits of different PLA-thermoplastic starch blends, as well as observe the difference between breakdown processes under different conditions.
If managed correctly, PLA’s waste byproducts are water, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid – all natural substances that would not cause negative environmental impacts. In addition, PLA itself is already derived from plant sugars instead of petroleum; and, with less than 10% of plastic waste thought to be recycled in the US, composting them in industrial conditions would save both consumers and recyclers the time, water, and energy needed to clean plastic waste for recycling.

Rafael Auras, MSU professor, the Amcor Endowed Chair in Packaging Sustainability, and leader of the project, explained: “In the U.S. and globally, there is a large issue with waste and
especially plastic waste.

“By developing biodegradable and compostable products, we can divert some of that waste. We can reduce the amount that goes into a landfill.”

However, the researchers highlight that social and behavioural factors will need to change to implement their solution at a larger scale. This apparently includes the scepticism of industrial composters surrounding bioplastics and consumers’ misguided belief that biodegradable and compostable materials will break down effectively in every environment, with the latter
contributing towards litter.

Therefore, the team now seeks to raise awareness around the necessary changes in behaviour to further the pursuit of circularity for plastic materials like PLA. “There’s not going to be one solution to the entire problem of plastic waste management,” said Mayekar. “What we’ve developed is one approach from the packaging side.

“It’s really easy to just blame plastic for its problems, but I think we need to change the conversation about how we manage it.” Auras continued: “If people think we develop something biodegradable so it can be littered, that will make the problem worse. The technology we develop is meant to be introduced into active waste-management scenarios.”

“We need to be conscious of how we manage waste, especially plastics,” added Bher. “Even at home, you’ll need to think about how you’re managing that small composting process.”
Another recent breakthrough saw researchers at the University of Washington claim to develop new bioplastics that apparently break down at the same rate as a banana peel in a home compost bin. This is hoped to prevent plastics from creating microplastic pollution if they escape recycling streams.

Meanwhile, European Bioplastics has predicted that the global capacity of bioplastic production will increase by 4.7 million tonnes between the end of 2022 and 2027.

Source: https://packagingeurope.com/news/combining-starch-with-pla-improves-its-industrial-compostability-researchers-claim/10148.article

August 08^th 2023

Industry in Cuban central province guarantees corn starch for national demand.

The 44-year-old company Producing and Commercializing Glucose, Starch and Corn Derivatives (GydeMa) in the province of Cienfuegos, the only one of its kind in Cuba, has over-fulfilled its production plan until the month of July, in the fundamental items destined for social consumption.
Joel Portell del Sol, general director of that entity, told the Cuban News Agency that at that stage they produced 2,560 tons of corn starch, of which 65 % of these production levels are destined for state orders, including medical diets for children with celiac disease and other types of illnesses.
They also pay taxes to children’s hospitals; to dairy companies for the production of ice cream and processed cheese; to meat companies for the production of sausages; and to the confectionery and canning industries.

Among the assortments of this entity of continuous processes, and with taxation to all Cuban provinces, there are also custards, baking powder, panettone mix, arepas and syrup.
Portell del Sol indicated that this volume implied a 102 % execution of the commitment for the first seven months of the year, while the income behaved at 117.9 %.
The plant, with technology from several countries of the former European socialist bloc, presents a great technological obsolescence, and has never undergone an investment process, since it is maintained by the efforts of its 250 men and women, who develop the repairs with their own inventiveness.
Conceived by the idea of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, the former Glucose Factory, now Gydema, is part of the Labiofam Group, and belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Source: www.cubanews.acn.cu/cuba/22078-industry-in-cuban-central-province-guarantees-corn-starch-for-national-demand

July 23^rd 2023

Revolutionizing starch factory effluent treatment with AI and ML.

Revolutionizing Starch Factory Effluent Treatment with AI and Machine Learning: A New Era in Industrial Waste Management.

In the wake of growing environmental concerns, industries worldwide are seeking innovative solutions to manage and reduce their waste. Among these, the starch industry is a significant contributor to industrial effluent, a form of liquid waste discharged into water bodies. The treatment of this effluent is a complex and costly process, but recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing the way we approach this issue, heralding a new era in industrial waste management.

Starch factories produce effluent that is rich in organic matter, which can cause severe environmental damage if not treated properly. Traditional methods of effluent treatment involve biological, chemical, and physical processes that are not only expensive but also require constant monitoring and manual intervention. However, the advent of AI and ML technologies has brought about a paradigm shift in effluent treatment, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

AI and ML algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to predict and optimize the treatment process. For instance, they can predict the amount of effluent that will be produced, determine the optimal treatment method, and even predict potential failures in the treatment system. This predictive capability not only reduces the risk of environmental damage but also helps in resource allocation and cost reduction.

Moreover, AI and ML can automate the entire treatment process, reducing the need for manual intervention. They can monitor the effluent in real-time, adjust the treatment parameters as needed, and even alert the operators in case of any anomalies. This automation not only improves the efficiency of the treatment process but also frees up the operators to focus on other critical tasks.

In addition to improving the treatment process, AI and ML can also help in waste reduction. They can analyze the production process to identify areas where waste can be minimized or even eliminated. For instance, they can optimize the use of raw materials, reduce energy consumption, and even suggest changes in the production process that can lead to less effluent production. This proactive approach to waste management not only reduces the amount of effluent that needs to be treated but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the starch industry.

While the use of AI and ML in effluent treatment is still in its early stages, several starch factories have already started to reap the benefits of these technologies. They have reported significant improvements in their effluent treatment process, including reduced costs, improved efficiency, and less environmental impact. Moreover, they have also reported a positive impact on their bottom line, as the savings from improved waste management can be reinvested in other areas of the business.

In conclusion, the integration of AI and ML technologies in starch factory effluent treatment is a game-changer. It not only revolutionizes the way we treat industrial waste but also paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly starch industry. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more significant improvements in industrial waste management, making our industries more sustainable and our planet healthier.

https://www.energyportal.eu/news/revolutionizing-starch-factory-effluent-treatment-with-ai-and-machine-learning/64347/

July 11^th 2023

“We need to develop a sustainable approach with chemicals that we can synthesize in large amounts,” said Imre Gyuk, director of energy storage research at DOEʼs Office of Electricity.

Researchers used a starch derivative to boost the capacity and longevity of a nextgeneration flow battery in a record-setting experiment, the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Lab, or PNNL, said on Monday. The breakthrough could lead to the scale-up of long-duration fluorenone-based flow batteries, which PNNL unveiled in 2021, according to PNNL. Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes.

The scientists optimized the ratio of chemicals in the flow battery system until it achieved 60% more peak power, PNNL said. They cycled the battery continuously for more than a year with minimal capacity loss, which had never occurred before, the DOE lab said.

“Fluorenone-based flow batteries with the organic additive β-cyclodextrin demonstrate enhanced rate capability, high capacity, and long cycling,” the researchers said in a summary of the study published July 6 in Joule. The study opens an avenue to improve the kinetics of aqueous organic flow batteries by modulating the reaction pathway with a homogeneous catalyst, they said.
“This is a brand new approach to developing flow battery electrolyte,” said Wei Wang, a PNNL battery researcher and the principal investigator of the study. “We showed that you can use a totally different type of catalyst designed to accelerate the energy conversion.”
Also, because the catalyst is dissolved in the liquid electrolyte, it eliminates the possibility of a solid dislodging and fouling the system, Wang said. Commercial flow batteries rely on minerals such as vanadium that are expensive and hard to obtain so researchers are seeking alternatives that use materials that are easily synthesized, stable and non-toxic, PNNL said.
“We need to develop a sustainable approach with chemicals that we can synthesize in large amounts,” said Imre Gyuk, director of energy storage research at DOE’s Office of Electricity.
The study is part of the lab’s research into grid-scale energy storage. It comes as DOE is seeking to cut the cost of long-duration storage by 90%.

Source: https://scitechdaily.com/record-breaking-advances-in-next-generation-flow-battery-design/?expand_article=1

June 28^th 2023

BENEO is investing 6 million euros in a new drum-dryer for its rice starch facility in Wijgmaal, which will create 6 new jobs too.

BENEO, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for the food, feed and pharmaceutical industry, is investing six million euros. This is to expand the drum-drying capacity of the factory in Wijgmaal near Leuven and thus keep up with the increasing demand for specialized rice starch ingredients.
In a new 1,000 square meter space, a brand new drying drum will be installed to increase the capacity for the production of clean label precooked (or cold water soluble) rice starch with specialized properties/additional benefits by 50 percent. The investment also creates six new full-time jobs in the factory, which already employs 200 people and is proud of its 160-year tradition in Wijgmaal.

“These are exciting times for our factory in Wijgmaal and for the local economy. This latest investment will not only guarantee the future growth of our pre-cooked rice starch range, but also create employment opportunities. As the new drying roller is currently in the start-up phase and should be operational in the coming months, we are already looking for people from the region for these new positions,” says Roland Vanhoegaerden, Operations Managing Director for rice ingredients at BENEO.

Over the past five years, BENEO has seen demand for its pre-cooked starch ingredients increase as they make foods so much more functional. Thanks to the drum-dryer, BENEO can produce rice starch for its customers with strict safety requirements, such as manufacturers of baby food. The dryer itself is built to an ultra-hygienic design and the production area is a separate air-conditioned zone with microbiological filters. In collaboration with the manufacturer of the drum-dryer, BENEO has set up a state-of-the-art, high-care production area that combines the latest energy-efficient drying technology with the very best hygienic design.

In addition, BENEO’s pre-cooked rice starch can be used by food manufacturers to make puddings creamier, make the dough of a pizza crust firmer or thicken soups in a more convenient way.

While the production of rice starch with specialized properties often involves the use of chemicals, BENEO’s advanced drum-drying technique is an entirely physical process. This not only produces a clean label starch, but also cleaner waste water that has less impact on local treatment plants and the environment.

When designing the extension, extra efforts were also made to limit possible noise nuisance to the neighborhood as much as possible. “We do our very best to communicate well with our neighbors and the wider community about any changes to our property in Wijgmaal, we encourage anyone to contact us directly with any questions or concerns and we know from experience that such an approach is appreciated,” says Vanhoegaerden.

BENEO is determined to continue to invest in the factory. The company recently spent 50 million euros in increasing the production capacity of ordinary rice starch and in 2021 it invested half a million euros in expanding freight transport by barge to reduce truck traffic to and from the factory. “Our investments in this factory should make it future-proof and benefit the local communities,” continues Vanhoegaerden.

Source: https://www.robtv.be/nieuws/beneo-uit-wijgmaal-investeert-6-miljoen-euro-in-nieuwe-droogwals-die-voor-6-nieuwe-banen-zorgt-155401

June 26^th 2023

The role of additives in starch-based edible coatings.

Edible films and coating are the effective method for preserving fresh food products. A current review focuses on the effects of additives on the physicochemical and bioactive properties of starch-based films and coating.

Starch-based edible films and coating have garnered a significant interest as natural and environmentally friendly solutions.

Edible films and coating provide a potentially effective method for preserving fresh food products by reducing moisture loss, regulating respiration rate, improving surface smoothness, and or preventing microbial growth during their storage. Concurrently, starch has proven for its inexpensive, non-toxic, and widely available attribute for film and coating production. However, this biopolymer has some shortcomings when making films to preserve food. For this reason, the use of additives in its synthesis is frequent.

A current review focuses on the effects of additives on the physicochemical barriers, and bioactive properties of starch-based biodegradable polymer films and coating, as well as how these composites comply with the requirements to produce edible and biodegradable food-based films and coating. These biopolymers perform magnificently as transporters for active ingredients isolated from natural sources and can be introduced into packaged foods at a controlled rate. Furthermore, the additives demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities in the films or coating, which would improve the shelf stability of coating or packaged food.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300944023001935

June 07^th 2023

Native wheat starch Lory® Starch Saphir pure optimises coating stability.

The clean-label, wheat-derived, native adhesion starch from food ingredients specialist Loryma stands out from other such products on the market because it is not modified and does not need an E number. Thanks to an innovative production process, Lory® Starch Saphir pure is as efficient as conventional modified starches, and provides optimum adhesion properties for all types of substrate coatings.

By simply declaring it as “wheat starch”, the adhesion starch meets current consumer preference for an easy-to-understand ingredient list without E numbers. This product is a superior version of Lory® Starch Saphir and replaces it in the Loryma range.

Lory® Starch Saphir pure has excellent adhesion properties and forms vapour permeable films. This allows steam to escape through the coating, which binds optimally to various substrates such as meat, fish or plant-based alternatives. There are also no air bubbles or crumbling of the coating. Used as a functional ingredient in batter and tempura or as a pre-dust, Lory® Starch Saphir pure provides a crispy surface while reducing fat absorption in the fryer. The wheat starch itself is neutral in taste and has a low viscosity, making it easy to use.

Dr Markus Wydra, Head of Research & Development Starches & Proteins at the Crespel & Deiters Gorup, was involved in product development and explains: “Until now, manufacturers have had no choice but to forego the use of adhesion starches and their associated benefits if they wanted to declare their product free of E numbers. With the introduction of Lory® Starch Saphir pure, however, we have developed a highly functional wheat-based solution that contributes significantly to a perfectly crisp breading.”

Source: https://crespeldeitersgroup.com/news/loryma-launches-e-number-free-adhesion-starch/

May 11^th 2023

AGRANA expands production capacity for technical starches and invests € 23 million at Gmünd site.

This year, the fruit, starch and sugar group AGRANA is starting with the construction of an additional drum drying plant at the site of its potato starch mill in Gmünd (Waldviertel
District of Lower Austria). With an investment volume of € 23 million, AGRANA aims to boost the production of technical special starches for the construction and adhesive sectors. The
plan is to complete the new plant in July 2025 and, as a result, increase the production capacity of technical starches by a third.
“Due to legal requirements, technical sectors are increasingly relying on organic materials and, therefore, selecting starches as a sustainable alternative to oil-based products. The
expansion of our facility is in response to this rising demand and safeguards the competitiveness of the Gmünd site,” stresses Norbert Harringer, CTO of AGRANA
Beteiligungs-AG. In Europe, AGRANA is the market leader in both technical and organic starches.

At Austria’s only potato starch mill in Gmünd, with a workforce of around 420 AGRANA manufactures both starches for the food sector as well as starches for technical applications, such as in the construction, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. The facility in Gmünd also processes organic potatoes to make organic starches, organic sweeteners and organic long-life potato products, such as purées, potato dough mixes and infant formula. In total, AGRANA manufactures over 300 different starch products at its mill in Gmünd.

AGRANA Starch, with a total of five mills, of which three are located in Austria, in Aschach/Donau, Gmünd and Pischelsdorf, and a further two in Szabadegyhaza (Hungary) and Tandarei (Romania), AGRANA has established itself as a specialist for customised starch applications.

In the construction chemicals sector, starches from AGRANA provide for the right consistency not only with starch ether for gypsum and slaked lime but also in cement and slaked cement construction materials. Due to their excellent adhesive properties, AGRANA starches are used in the adhesives industry as an alternative to synthetic adhesives and are referred to as green glues.

Source: https://www.agrana.com/en/pr/all-press-releases/news-detail/agrana-erweitert-produktionskapazitaeten-fuer-technische-staerken-und-investiert-am-standort-gmuend-23-mio-euro

March 23^rd 2023

Tapioca starch sweetener gets GRAS status from the FDA.

Resistant dextrin derived from tapioca starch — which is a sweetener called FiberSmart made by Anderson Advanced Ingredients — received generally recognized as safe status from the FDA. This means the ingredient can be more easily incorporated into food products.

FiberSmart is made through a process involving roasting and drying tapioca starch to create the sweetener. It is more than 90% dietary fiber and is 20% as sweet as sugar. The ingredient also is low glycemic and can be used in a wide variety of applications, including baked goods, beverages, cereals and bars, candies and frozen desserts.

As consumers are being more cautious about what they eat, a new better-for-you natural sweetener creates another choice for manufacturers.

FiberSmart is the latest new sweetener to gain approval from the FDA. Its versatility and nutritional benefits make it stand out as companies create food and drink that both taste good and benefit the health of the consumer.

The ingredient has been available since 2015, and is recognized as a dietary fiber. Anderson Advanced Ingredients says that it is water soluble and has a smooth mouthfeel, unlike some fibers that feel gritty.

FiberSmart also has promise as a substitute for maltodextrin, a common ingredient for thickening, texturizing and preservation that is in many CPG items. Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, while FiberSmart does not.

“We have received so much positive feedback about FiberSMART not only for its versatility and tolerability, but also because its tight tolerances around water activity improve on product consistency and production run times,” John Jarmul, vice president of marketing at Anderson Advanced Ingredients, said in a statement. “It’s a great product for lowering sugar content and increasing fiber without sacrificing taste or texture.”

Because it is a fiber, Anderson Advanced Ingredients wanted to ensure the ingredient would not cause any digestive issues for consumers. A study by Australia’s Murdoch University Centre for Molecular Medicine found even a double dose of the recommended amount of the ingredient was well tolerated by testers.

Ingredients such as FiberSmart are becoming more sought after by manufacturers seeking to make products that are healthy, clean label and low in sugar. Because FiberSmart is not a sugar, it does not appear on Nutrition Facts labels as one.

With GRAS status, FiberSmart could be on its way to wider adoption in a variety of food items. But like most alternative sweeteners, it’s not likely to be used on its own.

While there is a vast array of sweeteners derived from plants, fruits, starches and proteins, most do not behave exactly like sugar. FiberSmart has just a fifth of the sweetening power as the same amount of sugar, and as a fiber does not have many of its functional properties.

This kind of ingredient can cut back on the amount of sugar that is needed for a product, or it can be used with other more intensely sweet alternatives.

Source: https://www.fooddive.com/news/fibersmart-sweetener-gras-tapioca-starch/645750/

March 16th 2023

Potato starch and Martian soil make ‘cosmic concrete’ for extra-terrestrial structures – just add astronaut tears.

Simulated Martian soil, potato starch and salt have been combined into a new concrete-like material that could one day be used to build structures on Mars.

The tough new material, known as StarCrete, was developed by a team of researchers at the University of Manchester.

Using terrestrial materials to build infrastructure in space would be “prohibitively expensive and difficult to achieve” with current methods, the researchers said. Instead, future space construction will need to rely on simple materials that are easily available to astronauts.

StarCrete offers a possible solution, the researchers claimed. The material is reportedly twice as strong as ordinary concrete, and could be perfectly suited for construction work in extra-terrestrial environments.

The team used ordinary potato starch as a binder, mixed with simulated Mars dust to create StarCrete. Testing showed that the material has a compressive strength of 72 Megapascals (MPa), over twice as strong as the 32 MPa of ordinary concrete. StarCrete made from Moon dust was even stronger, at over 91 MPa.

This work improved on a previous project from the same team, which theorised that astronaut blood and urine could be used as a binding agent. While the resulting material had a compressive strength of around 40 MPa, the process had the drawback of requiring blood on a regular basis. When operating in an environment as hostile as space, this option was seen as less feasible than using potato starch.

“Since we will be producing starch as food for astronauts, it made sense to look at that as a binding agent rather than human blood,” said lead researcher Dr Aled Roberts, research fellow at the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub.

“Also, current building technologies still need many years of development and require considerable energy and additional heavy processing equipment, which all adds cost and complexity to a mission. StarCrete doesn’t need any of this and so it simplifies the mission and makes it cheaper and more feasible.

“And anyway, astronauts probably don’t want to be living in houses made from scabs and urine!”

Either way, the future astronauts might have to make some sacrifices to build their extra-terrestrial homes – the researchers discovered that magnesium chloride, a common salt found in tears, “significantly improved” the material’s strength. Thankfully, it should also be obtainable from the Martian surface.

The researchers calculated that a 25kg sack of dehydrated potatoes contains enough starch to produce almost half a tonne of StarCrete, equivalent to 213 bricks – a three-bedroom house takes roughly 7,500 bricks to build.

Dr Roberts and his team recently launched a start-up company, DeakinBio, which is exploring ways to improve StarCrete so it can also be used in a terrestrial setting.

If used on Earth, StarCrete could offer a greener alternative to traditional concrete, the researchers claimed. Cement and concrete account for about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, as the process by which they are made requires very high firing temperatures. StarCrete can be made in an ordinary oven or microwave at normal home baking temperatures, reducing the amount of energy required.

Source https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/eng-2022-0390/html