Starch Recovery Systems Market

Market Overview

A starch recovery system includes equipment such as refining sieves, hydro cyclones and centrifuges, vacuum filters, screw conveyors, and filling stations. These are used in different capacities as per requirements. A starch recovery system accepts the pumped processed water from the raw material slice washing system and separates starch through a centrifuge or decanter. The powder collected can be further used or reused for other processes, and the treated water can also be used in other areas such as washing and peeling.

With starch recovery systems, companies can focus on reducing their water consumption. Once the starch is recovered from the water, the water can be reused, ultimately extending its life and reducing the need for wastewater treatment. Moreover, the starch that is recovered becomes an additional value commodity.

Starch recovery systems are primarily used in the extraction of starch from raw materials such as potato, corn, and wheat. Starch is also extracted from various other agricultural products such as maize, cassava, and — to a lesser extent — rice, sago, barley, and sorghum.

Market Dynamics

Product Life Cycle

Several companies have installed recovery systems for potato starch to evade the high cost of water treatment. The increasing influence of sustainability is further cementing adoption globally. A number of companies are also installing these systems for other agricultural products such as cassava and sago. Starch recovery systems are in the growing phase of the life cycle. Competition in the market remains high, with an increasing number of companies commencing manufacturing.

Global Dependency on Starch to Drive Growth of the Starch Recovery Systems Market

The use of starch in food and nutrition has been rising exponentially. Starch is used in frozen foods, dairy products, and canned foods to enhance paste consistency, thickness, and smoothness. It is also widely used in pharmaceutical, textile, paper, chemical, paint and coating, plastic, and petroleum industries.

The different forms of starch, such as native, modified, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and other glucose syrups, further bolster market growth. The food industry remains the most prominent end-user of starch. As per the European Starch Industry Association, 9.3 million tonnes of starch and its derivatives were consumed in 2018, of which 58% was used in the food industry.

Focus on Sustainable Development

The UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2020 have changed the overall landscape of the starch recovery systems market. Prevention of environmental degradation and climate change are at the forefront for starch producers, which has generated an increase in the demand for recovery systems.

Eco-efficient equipment that considerably decreases the carbon footprint of companies is recording significant demand, which will positively influence the starch recovery systems market. These systems lead to almost a 50% decrease in the COD load in wastewater, resulting in smaller water treatment plants. Starch recovery systems further save up to 50% of the water through reuse. Moreover, waste reduction and energy-saving result in low carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, the global starch recovery systems market stands to benefit from the growing emphasis on sustainable development.

The Adverse Impact of Extreme Weather Conditions on Raw Material Supply

Extreme weather conditions such as hot and dry weather or excessive rainfall can severely impact the growth of the potato, corn, maize, and wheat, which are key raw materials in starch production. Additionally, water availability, soil fertility, and diseases and pests have a negative impact on these agricultural crops.

As per the EU Commission, Europe recorded an 11–13% drop in crop yield, amounting to a shortfall of 6–7 million tonnes in 2018. Freezing temperatures in the U.S. created an adverse impact on potato acreage in 2019. As per the USDA, the forecast for potato acreage was down by 6% in 2019 as compared to 2018. Soil-borne issues and freeze damage were the key reasons cited for the decrease in acreage levels.

Segmental Analysis

Key End-Use Industries — Food, Pharma, & Cosmetics

Starch recovery systems are used to recover starch post-processing. This starch and its derivatives are used in multiple applications. Starch derivatives such as native and modified starch are used in bakery, brewing adjuncts, pet foods, processed meat, and cold process salad dressings as thickeners, stabilizers, binders, and emulsifiers.

Other starch derivatives such as maltodextrin are also used in the food industry. Maltodextrins are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications as inactive ingredients in drug manufacturing. Cyclodextrin, a cyclic oligosaccharide, is used in food, pharmaceutical, and drug delivery to improve the water solubility and bioavailability of medicinal products. Starch also has extensive use in the paper and pulp industry. As per the Confederation of Paper and Pulp Industry, starch consumption increased by 3.9% in 2017 as compared to 2016, reaching 1,565,000 tonnes.

Regional Analysis

China Pegged to be a Key Contributor to the Global Starch Recovery Systems Market

Potato, wheat, and maize — the key raw materials used in starch production — grow in abundance in China, India, Pakistan, and Australia. China is the largest producer of wheat and potato and the second-largest producer of maize in the world. The growing demand for eco-efficient equipment and China’s economic advancement have paved the way for R&D investments, resulting in the introduction of efficient starch producing processes with advanced starch recovery systems. A report published by the China Starch Industry Association and CnAgri, the production of corn starch in China reached 25.9 million tons in 2017, marking a 15% YoY increase.

Growing Importance of Cassava Starch & Vietnam’s Role in the Production of This Raw Material

The market for cassava starch is also gaining momentum. As per the Vietnam Cassava Association, cassava is the third-largest source for starch production. Cassava starch has numerous applications in non-food industries such as paper, cardboard, plywood, leather goods, glue, paste, and cement. It also has applications in noodles, soups, yogurt, and ice-creams. In total, Vietnam has around 551,000 hectares dedicated to cassava cultivation. 

Recent Developments

• In December 2018, Siccadania NL announced the acquisition of NivobaHovex. The acquisition made Siccadania a leading supplier of complete starch production process lines in the global starch recovery systems market
• In July 2018, Flottweg SE established a new facility in Vilsbiburg, Germany. The company invested EUR 40 million on a newly acquired land covering 55,000 square meters for the development of this facility. The new plant is expected to increase production related to separation technology and improve the company’s material flow
• In July 2018 Ferrum AG acquired Hiller Separation & Process GmbH to increase its separation capabilities and expand its business in Asian and North American regions

Starch Recovery Systems Market Segmentation

By Plant Size

• Large
• Medium
• Small

By End Use

• Frozen products
• Chips & snack pellets
• Dehydrated products
• Others

By Application

• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Industrial
• Others

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• The U.K.
• Italy
• France
• The Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• India
• Singapore
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• The Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• The Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• The Rest of MEA