The new technology of potato starch papermaking

The Finnish Technical Research Center (VTT) stated externally that it has developed a new papermaking technology that uses a material derived from potato starch instead of oil-based fillers and coating pigments to produce new paper grades. This starch paper is completely degradable and is 20% to 30% lighter than traditional papers made with mineral fillers (eg kaolin, talcum powder, calcium carbonate). The feasibility of this new technology's manufacturing process has been confirmed at the Western Paper Mill at the University of Michigan in the United States, but it also requires industrial testing.

As this technology enables paper manufacturers to reduce their impact on the environment while saving costs, it has attracted worldwide attention. The use of new materials can be calendered at lower operating temperatures and pressures, saving energy. In addition, the wear on the paper machine is reduced, which also reduces the maintenance costs of the machine. Because of the relatively light weight of the paper produced, it can reduce transportation costs. Once recycled, it can be converted into bio-energy and emit less waste than traditional paper.

Initially, attempts were made to replace oil-based fillers and coating pigments with raw starches of natural materials. The potato starch was later chemically modified to be as hydrophobic as the oil-based filler to be replaced, but lighter.

As one of the cooperators of this technology, Ciba Specialty Chemicals said that potato starch can be used in the papermaking process, but the key cost-effectiveness of this technology in commercial applications cannot be proved. VTT has applied for 3 patents for this technology.