Finnish scientists have developed a starch-based filling, coating and adhesive agent to replace conventional mineral and oil-based alternatives in paper.
The VTT Technical Research Centre worked with companies including M-real and Metsa Serla to produce the material, which is based on raw potato starch. Paper manufactured using this agent can be up to 30% lighter than conventional grades. There are also fewer emissions when the fibre is recycled.
Starch gives the paper greater strength, says group manager Pia Qvintus-Leino. "It does the opposite to mineral fillers, which decrease the strength and bonding between fibres."