Global Industrial Starch Market Size, Trends, Growth & Forecast

Starch is a carbohydrate consisting of glucose units and is one of the most abundant natural polymers. It has many unique properties that make it valuable in industrial processes. Properties of starch vary depending on its source; those extracted from cereals are different than those extracted from vegetables. Some major differences include amylose-amylopectin ratio, granule size distribution, mean granule size, mineral content, and the presence of naturally occurring carbohydrate impurities.

With its unique properties and versatile nature, industrial starch plays a key role in a wide range of applications. It is obtained from various sources, including corn, cassava, potato, wheat, and rice, all of which collectively represent more than 95% of the global production. Amongst different sources, starch from corn is the most popular.

Industrial starch extraction starts by crushing or grinding starch-containing tubers or seeds, followed by mixing the pulp with water. The resulting paste is then freed of its remaining impurities and then dried to obtain the final product. There are two types of industrial starch: Native and Modified/Hydrolysed. Native starch is generally used in thickening and food texturing, while modified starch is widely used in the production of dextrin, adhesives, drilling fluids, biodegradable plastics, binders, etc. They act as emulsion stabilizers, textile sizing agents, and excipients in tablets for pharmaceutical applications.

The usage of starch is broadly categorized into consumer goods, feed, paper & packaging, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other industries. The industrial use of starch requires physical, chemical, and enzymatic modification, or their combinations, to improve its technological properties, such as hydration, rheological, and thermal properties, among others. The partial enzymatic hydrolysis of starch is a surface modification method, which allows for obtaining porous starch.

Industrial starch plays a key role in the textile industry, used in the sizing and finishing of fabrics, improving its strength, printability, and abrasion resistance. Other advantages of its usage in textile manufacturing include enhanced productivity and reduced waste, enabling the industry to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. With rising demand for eco-friendly adhesives, starch is increasingly preferred over its petrochemical-based alternatives in the paper and packaging industry, reducing the environmental footprint.

In the pharmaceutical industry, industrial starch is employed in drug formulations as an excipient, aiding in controlled drug release, enhancing stability, and improving patient compliance. The biodegradability and biocompatibility of starch also make it an ideal choice in several drug delivery systems. Given the growing demand for personalized medicines, industrial starch is likely to play an even greater role in advancing drug delivery technologies and therapeutic outcomes.

Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ingredion Incorporated, Roquette Frères S.A., and Tate & Lyle PLC are some of the major producers of industrial search globally. Asia, on the back of major consumers like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan dominates the global demand.

Global starch production was a significant and dynamic industry with various trends shaping its trajectory. Around 92,300 kilotons of starch were produced in 2022 globally. Starch is a carbohydrate extracted from various plant sources and is used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and paper manufacturing. The primary sources of starch include corn (maize), wheat, potato, and cassava. The food and beverage industry is a major consumer of starch for its thickening, stabilizing, and texturizing properties. As processed and convenience foods continue to gain popularity globally, the demand for starch in this sector has been growing. Starch is also used in non-food applications, such as in the production of bioplastics, adhesives, and textiles. The search for eco-friendly alternatives has led to increased interest in starch-based materials.

The production of starch is influenced by regional factors such as climate, availability of raw materials, and economic conditions. Regions with abundant resources like corn, wheat, potato, and cassava have seen growth in starch production. Advances in technology have improved the efficiency of starch extraction processes, leading to increased yield and quality of starch products. Companies in the starch industry are investing in research and development to innovate and create new applications for starch in various industries. The global trade of starch and starch-based products is influenced by factors such as international supply and demand, trade agreements, and regulatory standards.

North America High Market Attractiveness

• The USA is the key market in the region. The country is both the largest producer and consumer of industrial starch in North America. The growing agriculture industry is driving industrial starch consumption, with its agriculture, food, and related industries collectively contributing to around 5.4% of the gross domestic product.
• Demand in the USA is poised to grow in the forecast on the back of growing cereals, fruits, and vegetable production.
• Corn starch is the biggest market in terms of source, constituting nearly 98% share in 2023. The USA is the largest corn producer globally and produced around 19,000 kilotons of corn starch in 2023.
• Developed Food & Beverages, Paper & Packaging, and Chemicals & Pharmaceutical industries will drive demand growth in the region.
• Despite being a developed market, demand in the region is likely to register a moderate growth of around 2.7% between 2023 to 2032 with the region, being second second-largest consumer globally.