By valorising the entire crop to serve food, feed and industrial customers, while reducing our environmental footprint, the EU starch industry is a pillar of the sustainable food system.

KEY PILLAR OF THE SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM

As biorefineries, starch plants serve several outlets and the entire crop is valorised, making the EU starch industry is a key pillar of the sustainable food system.

Our own LCA study from 2015 demonstrates 0,7% waste, mainly stones and pebbles

IMPROVING CARBON FOOTPRINT

Starch Europe has been undertaking Life Cycle Analysis studies since 2001, and the latest in 2015. The next update is scheduled for 2021. Part of these studies include analyzing CO2 emissions levels.

For decades, EU starch plants have been seeking to improve their own energy efficiency, through for example investments in Combined Heat and Power, heat-pumps and renewal alternative sources of energy, to significantly reduce our carbon footprint

PREVENTING FOOD WASTE

Starch-based ingredients often act as preservatives, improving food safety and extending the shelf life of food and drink products and helping to prevent food waste, thus helping to bring further sustainability through the value-chain.

Starch in Food: www.starchinfood.eu

RELATED RESOURCES

OTHER KEY MESSAGES

1. Innovation

The European starch industry is built on constant innovation

The European starch industry is a long-established part of the agri-food value chain, built on constant innovation to meet societal demands and consumer expectations.

2. Rural Strength

We strengthen rural areas with essential sources of income and employment

We strengthen rural areas by providing an essential source of income and employment, both directly and to the farmers who supply the raw materials used to make our ingredients.

3. Plant-based

We offer a vast range of plant-based ingredients improving food and drink.

We offer a vast range of plant-based ingredients, including carbohydrates, proteins and fibres, to make food and drink taste better, last longer, and be more sustainable and nutritious.

4. Bioeconomy

We develop bio-based materials and alternatives to fossil-based products

We develop bio-based materials and alternatives to fossil-based products in industrial applications from renewable resources, offering functional properties and CO2 emission reductions.