by The global industrial starch market was valued at approximately USD 106.4 billion in 2024, and it is projected to reach USD 171.5 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2034. Technological innovations in starch modification, rising demand for biodegradable materials, and the continued shift toward natural and sustainable ingredients are key market accelerators.
Market Overview
The global industrial starch market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by its wide-ranging applications across industries such as food & beverage, paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives. Industrial starch is derived from various sources corn, wheat, potato, cassava, and others and is extensively used for its thickening, binding, film-forming, and moisture-retention properties.
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Market Growth Factors
- Expanding Demand in Food & Beverage Industry
The food & beverage sector remains the largest consumer of industrial starch, especially in bakery, confectionery, dairy, and convenience foods. Starch is increasingly used as a texturizer, stabilizer, and fat replacer, aligned with the rising demand for clean-label and gluten-free products.
- Rising Paper and Packaging Applications
Starch plays a pivotal role in the paper industry used in surface sizing, coating, and as a binder for increased strength and printability. The global push for eco-friendly packaging materials, particularly amid rising e-commerce activity, is boosting starch usage in biodegradable packaging solutions.
- Shift Toward Bio-based and Sustainable Ingredients
As regulatory bodies and consumers push for reduced chemical use and greener alternatives, industries are turning to bio-based industrial starches for adhesives, plastics, and personal care products. Modified starches, in particular, are finding new opportunities in bioplastics and sustainable coatings.
- Technological Advancements in Starch Modification
New enzyme-based and physical modification techniques are enabling the development of high-performance starches with tailored functionalities. This is unlocking opportunities in pharmaceuticals, construction, textiles, and oil drilling fluids.
Market Opportunities
- Innovation in Bioplastics and Biodegradable Films
Industrial starch is emerging as a key feedstock in the development of biodegradable films and packaging. As governments enforce stricter single-use plastic bans, starch-based packaging materials are gaining strong momentum in food service and FMCG industries.
- Rising Demand for Clean-Label and Plant-Based Products
Consumers are increasingly seeking ingredients they recognize and trust. Native starches, free from chemical modifications, are becoming popular in natural food and personal care formulations offering significant innovation opportunities.
- Growth in Developing Economies
Industrial expansion in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa is opening up large-scale opportunities. Growth in processed food manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and textile processing in these regions will support long-term demand for industrial starch.
- Application in Industrial Adhesives and Construction
In the construction sector, starch is used in gypsum boards, tiles, and cement as a water-retaining and binding agent. Growing infrastructure projects, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, offer strong prospects for starch-based construction solutions.
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Industrial Starch Market News
- Ingredion Launches Sustainable Packaging Solution (November 2021):
Ingredion introduced FILMKOTE 2030, a sustainable barrier starch designed to provide high-performance oil and grease resistance in food service packaging across the United States and Canada. This innovation supports the shift away from fluorochemicals, offering food packaging manufacturers an eco-friendly alternative. - Cargill Expands Tapioca Starch Portfolio in Asia Pacific (April 2021):
Cargill Inc. announced plans to enhance its specialty tapioca starch offerings in the Asia Pacific region through a strategic partnership with Starpro, a leading food-grade tapioca starch producer based in Thailand. This expansion aims to meet the evolving processing needs of food manufacturers and address rising consumer demand for high-quality starch ingredients in the region.
Top Industrial Starch Market Companies
The global industrial starch market is led by several prominent players that collectively command a significant share of the industry and shape its evolving trends through innovation, strategic partnerships, and global distribution networks. These companies are actively involved in expanding product portfolios, investing in sustainable practices, and meeting the growing demand across diverse industries such as food & beverage, paper, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
- Leading Companies in the Industrial Starch Market:
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Tate & Lyle PLC
- AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
- Grain Processing Corporation
- Roquette Frères
- Tereos Group
- Royal Cosun
- Altia Industrial
- Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited
- General Starch Limited
- Eiamheng
- Coöperatie Koninklijke Avebe U.A.
- Galam Group
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Segmentation Analysis
By Source
- Corn: Dominates the market due to its widespread availability and cost efficiency.
- Wheat: Preferred in Europe; offers high viscosity.
- Potato: Known for clarity and freeze-thaw stability.
- Cassava/Tapioca: Gaining popularity in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
- Others: Rice, sago, and other region-specific starches.
By Type
- Native Starch: Unmodified, used in clean-label products.
- Modified Starch: Chemically or enzymatically altered for enhanced performance in industrial applications.
- Sweeteners & Syrups (Derivatives): Glucose, maltodextrin, and other syrups used in beverages, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals.
By Application
- Food & Beverage: Texturizers, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners.
- Paper Making: Surface sizing, coating agents.
- Textile: Warp sizing, printing pastes.
- Pharmaceuticals: Binders, disintegrants in tablets.
- Adhesives: Used in wood binding, cardboard laminating.
- Others: Construction, mining, animal feed, oil drilling.
Regional Insights
- North America
North America represents a significant share of the industrial starch market, led by the U.S. and Canada. Corn is the primary starch source, with high usage in both the food and non-food sectors. The region is witnessing a steady rise in starch-based bioplastics and industrial adhesives, driven by sustainability regulations.
- Europe
Europe is a mature and sustainability-focused market, with major consumers in Germany, France, the U.K., and the Netherlands. Demand is fueled by eco-friendly packaging materials, biodegradable films, and clean-label food products. The wheat-based starch segment is particularly dominant in this region.
- Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market, with countries like China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam driving demand. Growth is attributed to the rapid expansion of the processed food sector, rising disposable income, and increased investments in pharmaceutical and textile manufacturing. Cassava and potato are major starch sources in this region.
- Latin America
Latin America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, is seeing increased starch consumption due to the growth in agriculture-based industries and food processing. Cassava and corn are the leading starch sources, with growing interest in modified starches for industrial use.
- Middle East & Africa
This region is an emerging market for industrial starch, supported by food security initiatives, construction projects, and pharmaceutical investments. Local starch production remains limited, but imports and industrial usage are on the rise, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and South Africa.
Outlook and Future Opportunities
The industrial starch market is on a resilient upward trajectory, underpinned by its diverse utility across food and non-food sectors. The growing push for eco-friendly materials, clean-label formulations, and sustainable manufacturing is reshaping how starch is processed, sourced, and used globally. As emerging economies ramp up industrial and food production, and innovation in starch modification continues, the market presents abundant opportunities for players focused on value-added applications, ethical sourcing, and advanced formulations.
