Tate & Lyle announces major sustainability investment at its facility in Lafayette South, Indiana, U.S., on World Environment Day

June 05th 2020

Tate & Lyle announces major sustainability investment at its facility in Lafayette South, Indiana, U.S., on World Environment Day.

Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, is pleased to announce a US$75 million investment in a new natural gas-fired combined heat and power system to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits at its Lafayette South corn wet milling facility in Lafayette, Indiana, US. This investment, announced on World Environment Day, will support the delivery of Tate & Lyle’s ambitious new sustainability targets for 2030 published last month including to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate coal from its operations and reduce water use.

The new gas turbines will generate electricity and steam to power and heat the facility, delivering a significant improvement in energy and operational efficiency. The new co-generation system will replace the site’s coal-fired boiler, delivering around 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and around 5% reduction in water use.

Work at the site to transition from a coal-fired boiler to new gas turbines is being undertaken with strict safety protocols that include social distancing and other protective measures.

This investment follows completion of a similar system at Tate & Lyle’s corn wet mill in Loudon, Tennessee in 2017. Tate & Lyle has a six-year, US$150 million productivity programme, which is now in its third year, and this investment is part of delivering that programme.

Travis Montoya, Plant Manager at Lafayette South said: “This major investment will make our facility more efficient and directly benefit the local community through improved air quality, decreased water use and less truck traffic. At Lafayette South, we have a strong track record of energy efficiency, having received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR accreditation for five consecutive years; this is a real source of pride for the local team.”

Melissa Law, President of Global Operations at Tate & Lyle, added: “A key pillar of our purpose of Improving Lives for Generations, is to care for our planet and to help protect its natural resources for the benefit of future generations. This project at Lafayette South is a great example of our purpose in action and will help us meet our ambitious new environmental commitments, driving important energy-saving and environmental benefits.”

Source: https://www.tateandlyle.com/articles/4

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Ingredion Debuts New Starch For Asian Markets

June 04th 2020

Ingredion debuts new starch for Asian markets.

Ingredion has launched Precisa Cream 7310 starch, a cold-water swelling starch, that delivers an instant thickening effect to a variety of oil- and water-based applications. Specifically, the starch is ideal for salad dressings and sauces, which have seen an increased demand in the region fuelled by the rise in westernized diets and the demand for convenience at home.

Precisa Cream 7310 starch was developed to help manufacturers and foodservice operators meet increasing consumer demand for high-quality dressings and sauces. Using the new starch, manufacturers will deliver superior texture and visual appeal with stable viscosity throughout the shelf life. A versatile ingredient, the starch is also suitable for providing enhanced texture in bakery fillings and premixes, says Ingredion.

“As we foresee more consumers shifting to home cooking, deliveries and takeaways post-pandemic, manufacturers will be looking to win consumers with variety, quality, convenience and affordability. The change in consumers’ lifestyles provides opportunities for new product launches, such as reduced-fat sauces and dressings,” explains Ai Tsing Tan, Innovation Director, Asia-Pacific. “This starch is specifically designed to help our customers lower oil content in their recipes at an optimized cost,” she adds.

“We have responded with agility, producing this starch in Asia to deliver a high-quality ingredient that addresses our customers’ product development needs. This also allows them to enjoy the benefit of proximity with better control of the supply chain and a shorter lead time,” comments Rishan Pillay, Vice President and General Manager for ASEAN and India.

Source: https://apac.ingredion.com/searchresult.html?content-types-search-tag=&q=precisa

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Ingredion Launches NOVATION Lumina Functional Native Starches

June 03rd 2020

High-Performance texturisers enable manufacturers to meet growing consumer demand for “Natural” products.

Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, today launched a new addition to its range of clean label texturizers, NOVATION® Lumina functional native starches.

NOVATION Lumina functional native starches are specifically designed for light-colored applications with subtle flavours. The texturisers’ neutral colour and flavour profile give manufacturers the ability to maintain the most appealing qualities of their products – even in the most delicate food applications.

NOVATION Lumina functional native starches deliver viscosity and gel strength comparable to modified starches, provide excellent freeze/thaw and shelf life stability, and have high process tolerance – making them ideal for products that undergo harsh processing conditions.

Of the countries that have provisions in place to regulate the term “natural”, NOVATION Lumina functional native starches meet the criteria of a natural food ingredient in the UK, France and Ireland, as well as associated EU legislation and the global ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS 19657).

More consumers are shopping for clean and simple labels globally than ever before. According to an Ingredion proprietary study, “natural,” “all natural” and “no artificial ingredients” claims are the most influential factor in consumer purchasing decisions.

Ingredion research also reveals that flours and starches rank in the top 10 of the most consumer-accepted ingredients. Labeled simply as corn starch, NOVATION Lumina functional native starches are also gluten-free, non-GMO and do not require allergen labeling. Manufacturers should carefully consult regulations specific to all target markets.

NOVATION Lumina functional native starches provide neutral flavor and color, enabling formulators to develop creamy, smooth textures without impacting light colors or delicate flavors of finished products. The starches are ideal for a wide range of food applications, including yogurts, dairy desserts and custards, dairy drinks such as drinkable yogurts and flavored milks, white sauces including cooking creams and ready meals, dressings, soups (ready-to-eat) and fruit preps.

NOVATION Lumina functional native starches are produced using Ingredion’s proprietary, innovative technology. The launch represents the first of many product introductions to be based on this proprietary platform.

Sources: https://www.ingredion.us/MeetIngredion/News/ingredion-launches-novation-lumina-functional-native-starches.html

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Emsland Group Announces Strategic Partnership With The Brenntag Group In Russia

May 29th 2020

The Emsland Group is delighted to announce its new strategic partnership with Brenntag Food & Nutrition in Russia.

The Emsland Group’s sales structure in Russia is being reorganized as a result of this strategic partnership. As of July 1, 2020, Brenntag will take over distribution of Emsland’s product portfolio for the food industry, which includes native starches, modified starches, proteins, and fibers made from peas and potatoes.

“We have worked with Brenntag in Norway and Denmark for over 20 years now, and we have confidence in them as a reliable partner with excellent supply chain facilities and a focus on application know-how,” says Christian Kemper, CSO Emsland Group.

“We are happy to be expanding our long-running partnership with the Emsland Group to the Russian market. Thanks to this significant addition to our product portfolio with pea and potato products, we are showing our commitment to providing our Russian customers with sustainable, top-quality ingredients from world-class producers,” said Rudolf Plomer, Business Manager Food & Nutrition at Brenntag Russia.

Source: https://www.emsland-group.de/e

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S.Africa’s Barloworld Hits Hurdle Over Tongaat’s Starch Business Deal

June 04th 2020

S.Africa’s Barloworld hits hurdle over Tongaat’s starch business deal.

South African equipment maker Barloworld Ltd said on Thursday it was unable to reach an agreement with Tongaat Hulett over a condition set during the signing of an acquisition deal for the sugar producer’s starch business.

In February, Tongaat agreed to sell the business to Barloworld for 5.35 billion rand ($290.70 million), including debt, subject to certain conditions including that no “material adverse changes” must occur after the signing of the agreement that could affect the business.

Source: https://www.moneyweb.co.za/mny_sens/tongaat-hulett-limited-further-announcement-regarding-the-proposed-disposal-of-the-starch-business-and-further-cautionary-announcement/

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South Africa’s Tongaat, Barloworld In Deadlock Over Starch Business Deal

May 12th 2020

South Africa’s Tongaat, Barloworld in deadlock over starch business deal.

South Africa’s heavily indebted sugar producer Tongaat Hulett is in a deadlock over the sale of its starch business to Barloworld (BAWJ.J) over a condition set during the signing of deal, the two companies said on Tuesday.

Tongaat agreed to sell the business to Barloworld for 5.35 billion rand ($290.70 million), including debt, in February.

The deal is subject to certain conditions including that no “material adverse changes” (MAC) must occur after the signing of the agreement that could affect the business.

Barloworld said in a statement that a MAC had occurred given the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which is likely to lead to a drop of about 82.5% in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization at the starch business for the financial year ending March 31, 2021.

Tongaat, however, is firmly of the view that a MAC has not occurred and has advised KLL Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Barloworld, it said in a separate statement.

Since the two companies were unable to reach an agreement over the issue, they said the matter had now been referred for determination by an independent third party.

Tongaat said it was still committed to sell the business, which, according to its website, is Africa’s largest producer of starch, glucose and related products.

Source: https://nnn.com.ng/south-africas-tongaat/

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Ingredion Invests In New Modified Starch Complex In China

April 08th 2020

Ingredion to build an integrated modified starch facility in China more than doubling current capacity.

Company advancing its growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, investing in a new modified starch complex to increase production capacity and expand its ingredient portfolio to meet growing customer demand.

Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions, today announced it will significantly expand its production capacity and capabilities in Shandong, China. With this investment, the Company will build a new, integrated native and modified starch facility adjacent to its existing Shandong facility. The expanded capabilities will provide additional service and supply benefits for its local and regional customers while further optimising its global supply chain network for specialty starches. The investment is expected to be complete by early 2022.

“We see strong demand for clean-label ingredients and specialty starches coming from our established and emerging food customers,” said Valdirene Licht, senior vice president and president, Asia-Pacific. “Chinese consumers are seeking healthier, more diverse, premium and convenient food options. This investment enables us to further strengthen partnerships with our customers as a well-positioned local supplier.  Ingredion’s local market insights, concept-to-launch expertise and technical and sales services will enable us to deliver consumer-preferred innovation on behalf of our customers.”

The new Ingredion Shandong facility complements the Company’s manufacturing network in Shanghai and is strategically located next to local farmers who provide high-quality raw materials, such as non-GMO corn. “This facility not only provides us with faster access to raw materials, it also allows us to effectively implement our sustainable agriculture program benefiting local farmers. We can produce high quality and diverse products that our customers require to meet the local market trends,” said Jacques Guglielmi, vice president and general manager, Greater China.

Source: https://apac.ingredion.com/meetingredion/news/INGRBuildsCNIntegratedModifiedStarchFacility.html

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New Starch/Cellulose Bioplastic Made To Degrade (Eventually)

March 05th 2020

This new kind of starch/cellulose plastic is made to degrade in seawater.

At five sites in the world’s oceans, plastic waste accumulates in large swirling gyres, the largest of which is three times the size of France. Millions of tons of plastic enters the oceans every year, damaging marine ecosystems, harming ocean animals and entering the human food chain.

Japanese researchers have developed a new kind of biodegradable plastic that could help. The material, reported in the journal Carbohydrate Polymers, is made from starch and cellulose, and could be a step towards a low-cost biodegradable plastic that can be mass-produced.

At the G20 Summit in Osaka last summer, member countries agreed to a framework called Osaka Blue Ocean Vision initiated by Japan, which plans to lead global efforts to reduce ocean plastic pollution to zero by 2050.

Biodegradable plastics, which break down in the environment into smaller harmless chemicals, already exist. But they are not as strong or water-resistant as ubiquitous commercial plastics like polyethylene. They also cost twice as much as petroleum-based plastics, and can also only be produced in small amounts.

Researchers at Osaka University made the new transparent plastic from cellulose and starch. Both are common, cheap natural biological polymers. Starch is found in corn and potatoes, while cellulose is the main component of plant walls. “Because these materials are cheap and the manufacturing process is simple, we can expect that the developed material will be put to practical use soon,” said applied chemistry professor Taka-Aki Asoh.

The plastic is a membrane made of starch that is reinforced with tiny, microscopic cellulose fibers. It is strong and does not swell in water. But it breaks down in seawater over time. “We have great expectations that our material will help solve the growing global problem of marine debris accumulation and have a major societal impact,” said Asoh.

Source: http://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/research/2020/20200305_01

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Tongaat Hulett To Sell Starch Division To Barloworld For R5.35bn

February 28th 2020

South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett to sell starch business to Barloworld.

Tongaat Hulett, South Africa’s heavily indebted sugar producer, said on Friday it would sell its starch business to Barloworld for 5.35 billion rand ($351.10 million), including debt. Tongaat will use the proceeds to reduce its debt.

“This was a compelling offer for our starch business. Our number one priority is to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tongaat and a key element of this is paying down our debt as quickly as possible. Our agreement is to reduce debt by R8.1-billion by March 2021 and we have already met and exceeded the first debt repayment milestone agreed with our lenders,” Tongaat CE Gavin Hudson said in a statement on Friday.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/tongaat-hulett-divestiture/south-africas-tongaat-to-sell-starch-business-to-barloworld-idUSL3N2AS4SZ

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Starch Containing Lithium-Ion Batteries Could Hold Quadruple The Charge

February 21st 2020

KIST researchers develop high-capacity EV battery materials that double driving range.

Dr. Hun-Gi Jung and his research team at the Center for Energy Storage Research of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Lee Byung Gwon) have announced the development of silicon anode materials that can increase battery capacity four-fold in comparison to graphite anode materials and enable rapid charging to more than 80% capacity in only five minutes. When applied to batteries for electric vehicles, the new materials are expected to more than double their driving range.

The batteries currently installed in mass-produced electric vehicles use graphite anode materials, but their low capacity contributes to electric vehicles’ having a shorter driving range than vehicles with internal combustion engines. Consequently, silicon, with an energy storage capacity 10-times greater than graphite, has drawn attention as a next-generation anode material for the development of long-range electric vehicles. However, silicon materials have not yet been commercialized because their volume expands rapidly and storage capacity decreases significantly during charge and discharge cycles, which limits commercialization. A number of methods have been suggested for enhancing the stability of silicon as an anode material, but the cost and complexity of these methods have prevented silicon from replacing graphite.

To enhance the stability of silicon, Dr. Jung and his team focused on using materials that are common in our everyday lives, such as water, oil, and starch. They dissolved starch and silicon in water and oil, respectively, and then mixed and heated them in order to produce carbon-silicon composites. A simple thermal process used for frying food was employed to firmly fix the carbon and silicon, preventing the silicon anode materials from expanding during charge and discharge cycles.

The composite materials developed by the research team demonstrated a capacity four-times greater than that of graphite anode materials (360mAh/g to 1,530mAh/g) and stable capacity retention over 500 cycles. It was also found that the materials enable batteries to charge to more than 80% capacity in only five minutes. Carbon spheres prevent the usual volume expansion of silicon, thereby enhancing the stability of silicon materials. Also, the use of highly conductive carbon and the rearrangement of the silicon structure resulted in a high output.

“We were able to develop carbon-silicon composite materials using common, everyday materials and simple mixing and thermal processes with no reactors,” said Dr. Jung, the lead researcher of the KIST team. He continued, “The simple processes we adopted and the composites with excellent properties that we developed are highly likely to be commercialized and mass-produced. The composites could be applied to lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESSs).”

This major KIST research project was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Choi Kiyoung) and was also a climate change response development project. The research results were published in the most recent issue of Nano Letters.

Source: https://eng.kist.re.kr/kist_eng/?sub_num=3694 and https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/nrco-krd022120.php

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