The paper and packaging industry has been evolving rapidly over the past decade. With increasing focus on sustainability, efficiency, and quality, businesses are shifting toward eco-friendly and high-performance materials. One of the most important innovations in this space is the use of starch-based solutions—especially in the form of adhesives, binders, and coating agents.
Starch, a natural polymer, offers a wide range of benefits for manufacturers. It is biodegradable, cost-effective, and easy to work with. Most importantly, it solves many common problems that industries face—like poor bonding, weak finishes, and high costs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 starch solutions that are helping packaging manufacturers overcome daily challenges and produce better-quality products.
5 Starch Solutions for the Paper & Packaging Industry
1. Corrugation Gum Powder
Where It’s Used: Corrugated box manufacturing (used in shipping cartons, storage boxes, etc.)
Common Problem:
Manufacturers often struggle with poor bonding between the inner flutes and the outer liners. This leads to box collapse, damage during transit, and low stacking strength.
Starch Solution:
Corrugation Gum Powder, made from modified starch, acts as a strong adhesive. It offers:
- High bonding strength
- Quick drying time
- Smooth running in high-speed machines
It also works well in both single-face and double-wall corrugation lines.
Key Benefit:
Boxes become stronger, more durable, and resistant to moisture, reducing rejection rates.
2. Tube Winding Adhesive Starch
Where It’s Used: Manufacturing of paper tubes, cores, composite cans, and fiber drums.
Common Problem:
Tubes often fail due to poor adhesion during winding. Inconsistent glue flow causes bubbles, weak spots, or breakage during drying or cutting.
Starch Solution:
Tube Winding Adhesive Starch provides:
- High wet tack for initial grip
- Quick setting for fast production
- Uniform viscosity for consistent application
Whether you’re making textile tubes or fireworks casings, this solution helps ensure structural integrity.
Key Benefit:
The result is firm, crack-free, and uniform tubes that stand up to mechanical stress during use.
3. Surface Sizing Starch
Where It’s Used: Used during surface sizing of paper, especially in kraft paper, duplex boards, and wrapping paper.
Common Problem:
Paper often suffers from low surface strength, poor print quality, or high ink absorption, making it unsuitable for printing or packaging.
Starch Solution:
Surface sizing starch is applied during the size press stage and forms a thin film on the paper surface. It helps:
- Reduce ink bleeding and penetration
- Improve water resistance
- Enhance surface smoothness and print sharpness
Key Benefit:
Papers become print-ready, more durable, and have better appearance and strength, meeting the needs of FMCG and retail brands.
4. Coating Starch
Where It’s Used: Used for coating high-quality boards, printing paper, and magazine paper
Common Problem:
Uncoated paper lacks gloss and is not suitable for high-resolution printing. Coating with synthetic materials is expensive and environmentally unfriendly.
Starch Solution:
Coating starch is blended with pigments like clay or calcium carbonate and applied to paper surfaces. It:
- Improves brightness and gloss
- Creates a smooth finish for better ink holdout
- Reduces dependency on synthetic binders
Additionally, starch-coated boards are safe for food-grade packaging.
Key Benefit:
Gives paper a premium, glossy look while keeping production costs low and meeting green packaging goals.
5. Lamination Adhesive Starch
Where It’s Used: Used in duplex boards, cartons, and laminated sheets
Common Problem:
Layers in laminated boards tend to peel off, especially under humidity or poor storage conditions.
Starch Solution:
Lamination adhesive starch acts as a strong binder for paper-to-paper or paper-to-film lamination. It offers:
- High adhesion under pressure
- Moisture resistance
- Smooth glue flow with no lumps
Key Benefit:
Ensures long shelf life, peel-free laminates, and premium packaging quality—especially in sectors like electronics, food, and cosmetics.
Quick Comparison Table
| Starch Solution | Used For | Key Benefit |
| Corrugation Gum Powder | Corrugated board adhesive | Strong bonding, quick drying |
| Tube Winding Adhesive Starch | Paper tubes & composite cans | High tack, firm grip |
| Surface Sizing Starch | Kraft & duplex paper | Water-resistant, print-friendly |
| Coating Starch | Glossy printing/coated boards | Gloss, brightness, cost-effective |
| Lamination Adhesive Starch | Laminated cartons/boards | No peeling, high bonding, eco-friendly |
Why Choose Starch-Based Solutions?
Environmentally Safe
Starch is biodegradable and renewable—unlike many synthetic chemicals used in adhesives or coatings.
Cost-Effective
Compared to synthetic adhesives, starch-based options offer equal or better performance at lower costs.
Machine-Friendly
Modern starch formulations are easy to apply in automated systems, reducing downtime and increasing throughput.
Food Packaging Safe
Many of these starches are compliant with food safety regulations, making them ideal for direct or indirect food contact.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, every packaging business wants the same things — strong products, smooth production, and satisfied customers. That’s where starch-based solutions truly help. They tackle common issues like poor bonding, breakage, or printing problems, all while being natural and cost-effective.
Whether you’re making boxes, tubes, or laminated cartons, there’s a starch solution that fits your process. And the best part? You don’t have to choose between quality and sustainability.
If you’re looking to improve your packaging without added complexity, starch could be the simple upgrade you need. Contact Angel Starch — India’s leading manufacturer of customized industrial starch solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can starch adhesives replace synthetic glues completely?
– Yes, in most applications, especially in packaging and paper production, starch-based adhesives are not only safer but also more efficient. - Are starch solutions compatible with all types of machines?
– Yes, most industrial-grade starch solutions are designed to work across modern corrugation, lamination, and coating lines. - How is starch stored and handled in factories?
– Starch powder must be stored in dry, cool areas. It is mixed with water at the time of use, using high-speed mixers or heating tanks.
