Starch Pros

May 16^th 2025

Starch-based bioplastic may be as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, study finds Bioplastics, heralded for supposedly breaking down more quickly, can cause similar health problems to other plastics.

Starch-based bioplastic that is said to be biodegradable and sustainable is potentially as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, and can cause similar health problems, new peer-reviewed research finds.

Bioplastics have been heralded as the future of plastic because they break down quicker than petroleum-based plastic, and they are often made from plant-based material such as corn starch, rice starch or sugar.

The material is often used in fast fashion clothing, wet wipes, straws, cutlery and a range of other products. The new research found damage to organs, changes to the metabolism, gut microbe imbalances that can lead to cardiovascular disease, and changes to glucose levels, among other health issues.

The authors say their study is the first to confirm “adverse effects of long-term exposure” in mice.

“Biodegradable starch-based plastics may not be as safe and health-promoting as originally assumed,” Yongfeng Deng, a study co-author, said in a media statement. “This is particularly concerning given their potential for accidental ingestion.”

Plastic is a notoriously toxic material that can contain any of more than 16,000 chemicals, many of which are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment, or have no public toxicological profile. Common plasticizers, such as phthalates and bisphenol, are among the most toxic human-made substances, and linked to health issues from cancer to hormone disruption.

While bioplastics have been pushed as a safer alternative, previous research has found they don’t break down as fast as the industry has claimed. Meanwhile, there is a dearth of research on the material’s toxicity. Still, its production has proliferated in recent years – nearly 2.5m metric tonnes were used last year, and that figure will more than double over the next five years, according to an industry trade group estimate.

Like petroleum-based plastics, bioplastics shed and turn into micro-bioplastics – clothing, for example, can shed at high levels when washed, and that can end up in food and water.

In the new study, researchers for three months fed several groups of mice food and water contaminated with “environmentally relevant” levels of bioplastics, and a third with no bioplastics.

They found many of the same health problems from exposure to the plant-based plastic as petroleum-based – the chemicals were found in the mice’s tissue in their livers, ovaries and intestines, where they caused microlesions.

Researchers also found abnormalities in the livers and ovaries, and at higher levels in the group fed more bioplastic. The material also affected genetic pathways and specific gut microbiota imbalances, which the researchers suggest could alter circadian rhythms.

The authors note more research is needed, but the findings raise questions about the safety of bioplastics that are a part of everyday life. Some activists and researchers suggest taking steps to reduce exposure to plastic – in everyday things such as kitchenware or clothing – despite it being difficult to avoid in daily life.

Source:https://www.ehn.org/starch-based-bioplastics-may-carry-hidden-health-risks-new-research-shows and https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/13/starch-based-bioplastic-petroleum-plastic-study

May 07^th 2025

Oxford University biostimulant could boost wheat yields.

Enhancing wheat plants’ sugar signaling ability could deliver increased yields of up to 12% — besting annual yield increases currently being achieved through breeding, according to U.K. researchers from Rothamsted, Oxford University and the Rosalind Franklin Institute.

The effect was achieved by applying a Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) pre-signaling molecule to the plants. T6P is a signaling molecule that regulates the plant equivalent of “blood sugar” and is a regulator of metabolism, growth and development including activating the pathway for the synthesis of starch — the world’s most significant food carbohydrate.

The link was discovered during research started at Rothamsted in 2006. Now a four-year-long field study using plots in Mexico and Argentina has confirmed that the new technology could deliver major yield improvements, according to the researchers.

“Wheat has complex genetics and targeting genetic bottlenecks in germplasm makes improvement through breeding far from straightforward,” researchers stated.

“A chemical application of T6P acts as a switch for starch biosynthesis in grain, which forms the basis of wheat yields. This in turn this stimulates photosynthesis in the flag leaf, due to greater demand for carbon building blocks for grain filling.”

Experiments in controlled environments looked promising, but researchers said this new study shows the application can deliver in field conditions.

Not only did T6P increase wheat yields in each of the four years in the trials in Argentina and in an additional year at in Mexico, but it did so irrespective of rainfall — the major uncontrolled abiotic factor that limits crop yields globally.

Researchers noted that it may even be possible to reduce fertilizer applications as T6P treatment activates genes for amino acid and protein synthesis in grain as well as the pathway for starch synthesis.

This is important because a major issue in new higher-yielding wheat varieties is dilution of protein content requiring increased fertilizer to maintain quality for bread making.

“The path from discovery to translation has taken 25 years,” said Rothamsted’s Dr. Matthew Paul who led the research with professor Ben Davis at The Rosalind Franklin Institute and Oxford University.

“Such timeframes are not untypical in blue-skies plant research, but we do hope new technologies, such as AI and faster analytical techniques, can accelerate this process. We will need many more innovations like this to create sustainable and resilient agriculture in the coming decades.”

Rothamsted and Oxford have created SugaROx, a spinout company, to deliver this research to farmers.

“This work provides an excellent example of a case where direct selective manipulation of key molecular structures, rather than genetics or gene editing, inside a living system is a game changer,” Davis said.

“It has been very inspiring to design and discover this new class of ‘drug for plants’ together.”

Source: https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/a-12-boost-for-wheat-yields-it-s-possible-through-sugar-signaling

April 25^th 2025

Uppsala University researchers find way to control starch storage in algae.

In Sweden, high-starch algae are important in biofuel production, as a feed supplement in agriculture and as an efficient way to bind carbon dioxide. Researchers at Uppsala University have now found a new method to control starch storage in algae—a finding with potential applications in areas such as reducing greenhouse gases.

In the new study, researchers show that blue light has a special effect. It affects starch storage in algae through a protein called phototropin. When phototropin senses blue light, it activates a signaling pathway that reduces starch accumulation by controlling key metabolic genes. This light-driven regulation of carbon storage allows algae to fine-tune their energy allocation between immediate growth (low starch) and long-term storage (high starch).

The researchers found that genetically modified algae without phototropin increased starch content from 5% to 25% of the dry weight of the algae—without compromising growth or photosynthesis.

Source: https://www.uu.se/en/press/press-releases/2025/2025-04-16-controlling-starch-levels-in-algae-could-reduce-greenhouse-gases

April 08^th 2025

Roquette Beauté launches a game-changing sensory powder at “in-cosmetics® Global” 2025.

Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 has an advanced patent-pending porous structure with unique compaction properties and sensory benefits, making it an ideal alternative to mineral and synthetic powders.

On the occasion of in-cosmetics® Global, taking place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from April 8 to 10, 2025, Roquette Beauté is proud to introduce its latest ingredient, Beauté by Roquette® ST 305, INCI Amylopectin, to the cosmetics market. This breakthrough ingredient meets the evolving market and consumer demand for high-performance and sustainable cosmetics products, offering an exceptional alternative to mineral and synthetic powders, bringing unique sensory benefits and compaction properties across various cosmetic applications, including makeup, skin care, toiletries, hair care, and fragrances.

Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 is also shortlisted for the In-Cosmetics® global 2025 Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award – Functional Category.

Delivering Advanced Performance with a Patent-Pending Porous Structure

Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 amylopectin is sustainably sourced from non-GMO waxy corn starch, making it an environmentally friendly choice for cosmetic formulations. It is readily biodegradable and non-ecotoxic, has a white color, is talc-free and free from nanoparticles.

What makes Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 unique is its advanced patent-pending porous structure, obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis, that brings exceptional compaction properties compared to other natural powders on the market.

The unique sensory and compaction properties of Beauté by Roquette® ST 305, as well as its affinity with various oils and water, provide cosmetic formulators with the flexibility to create innovative and high-performance products in a wide range of cosmetic applications, including makeup, skin care, toiletries, hair care, and fragrances whether in loose or compacted forms.

Maintaining Superior Color Integrity

Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 excels in maintaining color integrity. In tests, this ingredient demonstrated superior color retention, outperforming native corn starch and equaling the performance of talc and porous silica beads. This benefit eliminates the need for additional pigments, making it a cost-effective and attractive solution for color cosmetic products.

Additionally, Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 is brighter than talc, silica, and porous silica, while being less yellow than other natural sensory powders derived from native corn starch.

Providing an Unparalleled Matte Finish and Superior Shine Control

In addition, Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 offers superior mattifying power, making it ideal for matt-finish color cosmetics, like lipsticks. Tests have shown that this sensory powder significantly reduces shine, delivering a flawless matte finish in makeup products. In foundation formulations, Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 achieved a 96% reduction in shine compared to placebo.

Its sebum absorption capabilities also outperformed native corn starch and silica beads and were comparable to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These attributes make Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 ideal for controlling sebum, ensuring a long-lasting matte appearance.

Furthermore, at a concentration of 65% in a loose powder formulation, Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 proved to smooth crow’s feet, blur the eye contour, and improve skin texture, providing a flawless and youthful appearance.

“We are very proud of the addition of Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 to our product range,” says Bénédicte Courel, General Manager of Roquette Beauté. “We believe, it is a real game-changer and responds to the growing need for cleaner label ingredients in the cosmetics market. The unique sensory and compaction properties of Beauté by Roquette® ST 305, as well as its affinity with various oils and water, provide cosmetic formulators with the flexibility to create high-performance products across a variety of cosmetic applications.”

The Roquette Beauté team has designed exclusive formulations showcasing Beauté by Roquette® ST 305 amylopectin for visitors to touch and feel firsthand its unique sensory and compaction properties in a variety of cosmetic products at Roquette’s booth 5D130 during in-cosmetics Global in Amsterdam from April 8-10, 2025.

Source: https://www.roquette.com/media-center/press-center/20250331-roquette-beaute-launch-game-changing-sensory-powder

March 25^th 2025

Reprogramming yeast metabolism for customized starch-rich micro-grain through low-carbon microbial manufacturing.

Research shows promising results in microbial starch synthesis using CO2-derived acetate as feedstock.

Researchers at a prominent laboratory have reconfigured a type of yeast into a highly efficient starch-producing micro-grain, utilizing carbon dioxide as a substrate. This innovative approach to starch synthesis demonstrates a spatial-temporal starch productivity of 243.7 g/m²/d, which is approximately 50 times greater than traditional crop cultivation methods.

Starch is fundamental for meeting global food and industrial demands, with over 120 million tons required annually—a figure anticipated to rise due to population growth and increasing consumption patterns. Traditional starch production heavily relies on arable land, which is becoming increasingly scarce due to ongoing environmental crises.

The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicates that the engineered yeast can achieve a starch content of 47.18% of its dry cell weight, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional starch sources. By utilizing acetate synthesized from CO2 through electrochemical processes, the yeast yields 160.83 mg/L/h, significantly outperforming existing microbial fermentation systems.

The engineered strains adapt their cellular machinery and growth strategies to optimize starch production. Through genetic modifications, scientists enhanced starch biosynthesis pathways and regulated cell morphology, thus increasing the yeast’s ability to accumulate starch and improve yields.

Notably, the research outlines methods for customizing starch composition and starch-protein ratios, offering a new variable that could enhance nutritional applications. The findings demonstrate the yeast’s potential to efficiently convert agricultural waste into starch, underscoring a sustainable approach to food manufacturing that is less dependent on traditional farming.

In a bid to broaden the scope of starch production, researchers experimented with converting straw bio-waste into profitable micro-grain. In preliminary studies, they demonstrated successful starch synthesis from hydrolyzed straw along with acetate, indicating a carbon-to-starch yield enhancement by up to 2.8 times when both substrates are used in tandem.

The study signifies a substantial step toward addressing global starch demands through innovative low-carbon technological solutions, potentially transforming food resource allocation in the face of a changing climate. The research team opines that while this process carries immense promise, encompassing advancements and further research will be essential to overcome current cost and scalability challenges.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58067-z

March 10^th 2025

Cargill inaugurates new corn milling plant to meet growing demand for safe and high-quality food solutions.

Catering to the growing demand from India’s confectionery, infant formula, and dairy sectors, Cargill inaugurated a new corn milling plant in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh set up by Saatvik Agro Processors, an Indian manufacturer.

With a combined market value of $15 billion, these sectors are witnessing high annual compounded growth rates of between 6 and 11% over next five years1, leading to increased demand for starch derivatives which are used as thickening or stabilizing agents to achieve desired texture, viscosity and mouthfeel in consumer products like gummies, jellies, fillings, yogurt, cheese, processed milk and infant formula.

Cargill has a business arrangement with Saatvik who has established this dedicated production facility for starch derivatives with an initial output capacity of 500 tons per day, which can be expanded to 1,000 tons per day. This facility combines Cargill’s global product capabilities, customer network and market access opportunities with local manufacturing capabilities and operational know-how of the Indian partner to bring a consistent supply of safe, high-quality solutions to Cargill’s food manufacturing customers in India.

The plant will operate on an exclusive arrangement for Cargill, adhering to the company’s stringent global food safety and quality standards while also driving innovation, and process efficiencies for the industry. This further increases Cargill’s production capacity in India while creating supply chain efficiencies that food manufacturers rely on to meet growing consumer demand. The expansion will also enable Cargill to serve customers across North, Central, and Western India more effectively, reducing dependence on supply from the South, optimizing both costs and logistics.

While the facility will cater primarily to domestic demand, in future Cargill will also evaluate export opportunities to expand its market reach through this plant.

The plant was inaugurated by John Fering, Group President, Food APAC, Cargill and Simon George, President Cargill India and Managing Director Food South Asia.

Commenting on the launch, Simon George said, “This Gwalior plant allows us to strengthen our manufacturing network in India to serve customers from North and West India more competitively while enhancing supply chain efficiencies that benefit the entire food ecosystem. By increasing our access to local manufacturing capabilities, we are reducing supply timelines, increasing cost-effectiveness, and ensuring a more stable supply of essential food solutions that food manufacturers need to meet evolving consumer preferences.”

Furthermore, “this step reflects our commitment to fostering industry growth by integrating our global expertise with India’s strong manufacturing capabilities, supporting the growth of Indian entrepreneurs, ultimately creating more value for customers and consumers alike”, he added.

This initiative reflects Cargill’s ongoing commitment to be a go-to partner for innovation and growth for its customers – from food manufacturing, foodservice to retail – supporting them with essential and high-quality food ingredients and solutions, and thereby contribute to India’s growing food and beverage industry. The initiative also aligns with the ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering long-term, sustainable growth for both businesses and consumers.

Source: https://www.cargill.com/2025/cargill-inaugurates-new-corn-milling-plant

March 09^th 2025

Matco Foods signs financing agreement with Bank Alfalah for corn wet milling extension.

Matco Foods Limited has entered into a Rs750 million three-year financing agreement with Bank Alfalah to enhance its corn starch production capabilities, a statement said on Saturday.

The investment will be directed towards expanding Matco Foods’ existing corn starch facility located in the Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Faisalabad. This facility, operational since August 2022, has been pivotal in supplying high-quality corn starch to both domestic and international markets. The funds will expand production capacity from 200 tons per day (tpd) to 300 tpd grind. A a portion of the financing will be used to repay short-term loans. As part of the agreement, Bank Alfalah will have the option to convert its financing into ordinary shares in Matco’s new subsidiary, subject to regulatory approvals.

Khalid Ghori, CEO of Matco Foods, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “At Matco Foods, we are committed to investing in the growth of our corn starch segment to serve our diversified customer base better. Our facility’s location within the Special Economic Zone has been instrumental in our success, and we extend our thanks to FIEDMC, the Board of Investment, SIFC, and other government stakeholders for their unwavering support and visionary leadership.’

Group Head Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business at Bank Alfalah Limited Farooq Ahmed Khan shared his perspective on the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Matco Foods in their growth journey, providing customised financial solutions that align with their expansion plans. This collaboration reinforces Bank Alfalah’s commitment to driving strategic investments in Pakistan’s agribusiness sector, strengthening the agricultural value chain, and fostering sustainable economic progress.”

Source: https://tradechronicle.com/matco-foods-to-enhance-corn-starch-production-in-pakistan/

March 05^th 2025

US group Ingredion teams up with Austrian Agrana to boost starch production in Romania.

The American group Ingredion, the world’s largest corn processor, producer of starch, glucose, syrups, dextrose, and other food additives, has signed an agreement with the Austrian company Agrana, the largest sugar producer in Romania, to produce starch in Țăndărei (Ialomița County).

“We want to boost our growth in Europe by entering into a partnership, and we believe that Ingredion is the ideal partner for this. The collaboration combines our different expertise in starch production,” said Stephan Büttner, CEO of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, according to Ziarul Financiar.

This strategic alliance will not only strengthen Agrana’s production capabilities in Romania but will also expand Ingredion’s footprint in the European market.

Ingredion will purchase a 49% stake in the company AGFD Țăndărei from Agrana, with the two parties working together in a joint venture aimed at increasing starch production in Romania.

Taken over by Agrana in 2001 and upgraded in 2002, AGFD Țăndărei produces native and modified starch, glucose and maltose syrups, germ, gluten, and corn bran. Its annual processing capacity is 36,000 tonnes of corn. Its turnover was RON 193 million (EUR 40 million) in 2023.

Source: https://www.romania-insider.com/ingredion-agrana-starch-romania-march-2025

February 27^th 2025

Ingredion to invest in Cedar Rapids (IA) and Indianapolis (IN) starch facilities.

Ingredion invests $100 million in Indianapolis plant to improve efficiency and enable future texture solutions growth.

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, announced investments of more than $100 million to increase efficiency, modernize equipment and also install an energy cogeneration system at its Indianapolis facility.

This project will expand Ingredion’s capabilities for delivering texture innovations to growing end markets while bolstering the economic viability and sustainability of the Indianapolis plant. Furthermore, by upgrading its energy infrastructure, Ingredion will improve operational efficiency and reliability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“As Ingredion has driven volume growth for texture solutions over the past several quarters, these investments will expand our capacity and support future customer growth,” said Valdirene Evans, senior vice president and president, global texture solutions at Ingredion. “Additionally, these investments will enable the Indianapolis plant to continue to lead in supplying the highest quality and most innovative specialty starch-based texturizers for global customers.”

“These investments are a win-win as it helps us modernize and improve our agility in delivering Texture & Healthful Solutions for our customers while also increasing our energy efficiency and improving our cost competitiveness,” said Eric Seip, senior vice president, global operations, and chief supply chain officer.

The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

Source:https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ingredion-invests-100-million-indianapolis-plant-improve

Ingredion invests $50 million in Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility to expand specialty industrial starch capacity for packaging and papermaking industries.

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, announced today a $50 million investment in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility to modernize and expand the production of industrial starches for the packaging and papermaking industries.

“Demand is growing for functional solutions that deliver against more stringent requirements for strength, biodegradability and recyclability across both containerboard and papermaking,” said Rob Ritchie, senior vice president, food and industrial ingredients, LATAM and US/Canada. “Ingredion is committed to supporting these industries as they adapt and innovate to meet a variety of changing consumer and environmental requirements, such as the need for stronger natural polymer-based food packaging. With increased capacity and more efficient production at the Cedar Rapids facility, Ingredion will be well-positioned to deliver differentiated value to this growing market.”

Ingredion is a recognized leader in providing performance-based specialty ingredients that contribute to the circular economy of the paper and packaging industries.

Source: https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ingredion-invests-50-million-cedar-rapids-iowa-facility-expand

February 25^th 2025

LIGHt-based rapid detection of starch in tobacco leaves by smartphone sensing.

A rapid and efficient detection method to detect the total starch in tobacco leaves using smartphone-based anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetry is established under the framework of the low-cost, immediate, general-purpose, and high-throughput (LIGHt) smartphone-based colorimetry. The LIGHt smartphone colorimetry resulted average relative error of 5.74%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 2.58 to 4.31%, a detection limit of 1.53 µg/mL, and an average recovery rate of 95.72%.

The results demonstrated that the LIGHt smartphone colorimetry perform comparably to the regular visible spectrophotometry in determining starch concentration, validating the feasibility of this novel colorimetric method, which requires no specific instruments. The LIGHt-based method indicated the feasibility and potential for application in the field of rapid quality detection of plant leaves and other food and medicinal-related quality control practices.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-90569-0.pdf