What the Tech?
formulations will need to be modified to adjust for the different natural gel temp, as well as the higher stringiness of pea starch pastes to generate consistent viscosities. Also, the higher particle size of pea starch could impact dry flow in conveyance systems.” Rick Bird, operations manager at HarperLove, says, “I can see how pea starch could become a niche product in corrugated-board production, because it gives you the ability to run your corrugator at lower gel points. However, pea starch could build viscosity a little too fast due to the natural variations in pea starch uniformity.” Running at a lower gel point gives the customer an option to increase
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efficiency in two different ways: (1) ability to run the corrugator faster, or (2) lowering the pressure on the steam system to conserve energy. Either way, when considering a switch over to pea starch, it is important to partner with a supplier who can understand technical formula adjustments for your specific production needs. Ingredion also disclosed that with controlled treatment of their pea starch, they have been able to generate wet strength in corrugating adhesives without needing ketone/aldehyde-based resins, and this treatment also improves the viscosity consistency and dry flow properties that have hampered native pea starch.
With this new pea-based starch, corrugators will be able to reduce or eliminate chemical additives and still achieve moisture- and water-resistant adhesive performance—another game changer. Look for this product’s availability in the second quarter of 2020. Michael Harris is president of KPI Incorporated. He can be reached at 317-797-9898 or mharris@kpiincorporated. com.
