The Paper and Board Industry

Starch is used at the three principal stages of paper manufacturing: 
- it is used in the paper mass ensuring internal cohesion of the sheet by forming bonds, cellulose-starch-cellulose.

The strength of paper for machining is thus increased.

 The growing use of recycled paper requires more and more starch quantities to avoid deterioration of the quality of fibres during recycling.
- starch is used at the size press to reinforce cohesion of superficial fibres of the sheet and to avoid flaking.
- starch is used in coating products. These products are deposited on paper in a coating which makes it possible to mask the irregularities of the surface and to substitute for the natural macroporosity (blotter effect) an artificial microporosity suitable for writing or printing.

Starch quantities by paper type
Printing and writing papers   4,1%
Paper board   2%
Domestic and industrial papers   1,9%

In the future, starch could become a more significant raw material for the packaging industry.

HALF OF STARCH PRODUCTION IS DESTINED FOR NON-FOOD USE

© 2007, Association des Amidonniers et Féculiers