Transforming Starch Waste into High-Value Products
The plant protein industry is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and high-protein food alternatives. However, the extraction of plant protein from raw materials such as faba beans, mung bean, and other legumes generates a significant amount of starch waste. This starch, often discarded as waste or underutilized, which means a major loss in both economic value and environmental sustainability.
At Microtec, we specialize in turning this starch waste by-product into a valuable, high-quality starch suitable for both food and non-food applications. Our advanced technology enables plant protein manufacturers to maximize resource efficiency, reduce waste and environmental impact., and increase profitability.
Microtec’s plant protein technology offers a game-changing solution for the industry by transforming starch waste into valuable products. Our advanced processes not only enhance profitability but also promote sustainability, making us the ideal partner for plant protein producers. By choosing Microtec, you are investing in a future where waste is minimized, resources are optimized, and value is maximized.
During the extraction of plant protein, particularly from legumes like faba beans, a by-product known as decanter cake is generated. This cake consists of starch, fiber, and residual protein. Traditionally, this by-product is considered waste, leading to:
In many cases, up to 30-60% of the raw material ends up as starch waste, which, if processed correctly, can be converted into a valuable resource.
Microtec offers cutting-edge technology to process starch waste from plant protein production lines, transforming it into high-quality starch and other value-added products. Our solutions are designed to:
We efficiently separate and recover starch from decanter cake, ensuring minimal waste and maximum yield.
The recovered starch is refined to meet industry standards, making it suitable for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
By processing starch waste, we help reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices.
Our technology converts waste into a marketable product, creating new revenue streams for plant protein producers.
Our process for handling starch waste from plant protein production involves several key stages, which are outlined below in a simplified manner. Please note that some technical details and the full complexity of the process may not be fully captured in this overview:
The decanter cake, which contains starch, fiber, and protein, is first disintegrated and diluted to create a slurry. This slurry is then processed using high-shear homogenization to release starch and protein from the fiber.
The slurry is passed through rotary screens and hydrocyclones to separate starch from fiber. This ensures high-purity starch recovery while minimizing fiber contamination.
The recovered starch undergoes a multi-stage washing and concentration process using hydrocyclones. This step removes impurities and concentrates the starch slurry, making it ready for further processing.
The starch slurry is dewatered using centrifugal decanters and dried using flash dryers. The final product is a high-quality starch powder that can be used in various industries.
The separated fiber is also processed and dried, creating an additional by-product that can be used in animal feed or other applications.
With years of experience in starch processing, we are leaders in the industry.
Our equipment and processes are designed for maximum efficiency and quality.
We prioritize environmentally friendly solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability.
From design to installation, we provide complete solutions tailored to your needs.