Through a rigorous focus on product development in the specialty segment in close cooperation with customers, AGRANA is well-positioned in the starch market.
In the food sector, the work revolved mainly around research into specialised binders and thickeners. Synergies between the main business segments were used to further develop and optimise stabilisers for organic products and new modified waxy corn starches for the fruit preparations business.
The development of starch products for non-food applications in the building, adhesives and paper sectors was an important area of research in the 2009|10 financial year. Besides sophisticated starch derivative products for use in plasters and tile adhesives, a novel thickener system for emulsion paints was readied for market. In the packaging industry, there is demand for custom-designed adhesives made from renewable resources. New, intelligent starch products were created in collaboration with customers, especially in the paper converting sector. Based on advanced research methods, new modified starches were introduced as adhesives for bottle labelling. In the area of paper sizing, innovative cold-water-soluble starch products are used as latex substitutes.
Regarding AGRANA’s bioethanol production, the research focus was on the search for and selection of suitable yeast strains to enhance the profitability of the entire ethanol production process. New raw material batches and process supplies require a careful projection of the yields that can be expected. Further successful feeding trials at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna substantiated the positive track record of ActiProt, the high-protein feedstuff produced by AGRANA.
Through special blends of by-products from sugar, starch and bioethanol production, high-quality non-synthetic fertilisers were developed that are appropriate for use in organic agriculture.