세계의 변성 전분 시장 규모는 2024년 153억 달러에 달했습니다. IMARC Group은 향후 시장이 2033년까지 229억 달러에 이를 전망이며, 2025년부터 2033년까지 4.61%의 성장률(CAGR)을 나타낼 것으로 예측했습니다. 현재 북미가 시장을 독점하고 있으며 2024년에는 42.7% 이상의 큰 시장 점유율을 차지하고 있습니다. 다양한 식품에서 증점제, 안정화제, 유화제로 제품을 신속하게 사용하고, 깨끗한 라벨 제품에 대한 소비자의 의식을 높이고, 정확한 식품 맞춤화의 출현은 시장을 추진하는 주요 요인의 일부입니다.
변성 전분은 물리적, 화학적 또는 효소적으로 처리되어 원래의 성질을 변화시킨 전분 유도체입니다. 이러한 개질의 목적은 식품 가공, 의약품, 섬유 제품 등 다양한 용도로 사용할 때 전분의 성능을 향상시키는 것입니다. 변성 전분의 장점은 보수력 향상, 식감 개선, 내열성 향상 등입니다. 예를 들어, 식품 가공에서는 증점제, 안정제, 유화제로 사용되는 경우가 많습니다. 제약 업계에서는 정제의 붕해제 및 바인더로 사용됩니다. 개질 처리에는 가수분해, 산화, 가교 등 다양한 방법이 있습니다. 이러한 치료는 전분의 분자 구조를 변경하고 특정 용도에 따라 기능적으로 만듭니다. 그러나 개질은 의도된 목적에 대한 안전성과 효능을 유지하기 위해 신중하게 통제되어야 한다는 점에 유의하는 것이 매우 중요합니다. 변성 전분은 많은 산업에서 다재다능한 중요한 원료이며 본래 전분보다 개선된 특성을 제공합니다.
변성 전분 업계 시장 성장 촉진요인 중 하나는 식품 및 음료 분야에서 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 변성 전분은 소스, 수프, 구운 과자 등 다양한 식품의 증점제, 안정제, 유화제로 널리 사용됩니다. 보존 기간이 길고 식감이 좋은 편리한 식품에 대한 소비자의 기호가 높아짐에 따라 변성 전분의 이용이 가속화되고 있습니다. 이에 따라 클린 라벨 제품에 대한 소비자의 의식과 수요가 현저하게 높아지고 있습니다. 소비자는 음식에 대한 의식이 높아져 천연 재료와 유기농 재료를 적극적으로 요구하게 되어 있습니다. 비유전자 재조합이나 유기 유래의 것 등, 클린 라벨의 기준에 적합한 변성 전분이 지지를 모으고 있습니다. 또한 채식주의와 비가니즘의 상승으로 식물 유래 제품에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있습니다. 변성 전분은 이러한 제품의 식감과 안정화에 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이 외에도 동물사료 시장은 변성 전분의 중요한 촉진요인 중 하나입니다. 게다가, 전분 특성의 정밀한 커스터마이징의 출현으로 특정 산업 요건을 충족하는 맞춤형 제품이 만들어지고 시장 전망은 밝습니다.
제약 업계의 용도
변성 전분 시장 성장의 또 다른 강력한 촉진요인은 제약 산업에서의 용도입니다. 변성 전분은 정제의 바인더 및 붕해제로 일반적으로 사용됩니다. 헬스케어 분야가 세계의 성장을 계속하고 있는 가운데, 의약품 제제에 있어서 효율적이고 신뢰성이 높은 부형제의 필요성은 과거에는 보다 높아지고 있습니다. 변성 전분은 압축성 개선, 유동성 향상, 약물 방출 프로파일 개선 등 본래 전분에 비해 여러 가지 이점을 제공합니다. 이것은 서방형 또는 방출 제어형 약물을 개발하는데 특히 중요하며 만성 질환을 가진 환자의 치료 옵션을 넓힐 것입니다. 또한 변성 전분은 표적 약물 전달 시스템에서의 역할에 대해서도 연구되었습니다. 이러한 이점으로 인해 변성 전분은 제약 업계에서 필수적이며 시장 수요에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.
성장하는 섬유 및 제지 산업
섬유 산업과 제지 산업도 변성 전분 시장의 성장에 크게 기여하고 있습니다. 섬유 산업에서 변성 전분은 제직 공정에서 실을 강화하는 사이징 제로 사용됩니다. 이것은 우수한 접착성을 제공하고, 실 끊김을 감소시키고, 직물의 품질을 향상시킵니다. 제지 산업에서 개질 전분은 표면 사이징 및 코팅에 사용되며 종이 강도, 인쇄 품질 및 내수성을 향상시킵니다. 신흥 국가의 산업화가 진행됨에 따라 고품질의 섬유 제품과 종이 제품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 이 때문에 이러한 용도로 높은 성능을 발휘할 수 있는 개질 전분의 요구가 높아지고 있습니다. 지속가능한 제품에 대한 세계 동향을 감안할 때, 재생가능한 자원에서 유래된 개질 전분이 각광받고 시장을 더욱 밀어 올리고 있습니다.
환경에 대한 배려 및 지속가능성
환경의 지속가능성과 탄소 실적의 삭감이 중시되게 되어 있는 것도 변성 전분 시장의 추진력이 되고 있습니다. 이에 따라 기존의 석유계 폴리머에서 바이오 폴리머로의 대체가 진행되고 있으며, 개질 전분은 그 최전선에 있습니다. 게다가, 생분해성 플라스틱의 제조에서 변성 전분의 이용은 종래의 플라스틱을 대체할 수 있는 지속가능한 선택을 제공합니다. 이러한 바이오플라스틱은 포장, 농업용 필름, 일회용 칼집 등 다양한 용도로 사용됩니다. 세계 각국의 정부가 플라스틱 사용에 대한 보다 엄격한 규제를 시행하는 동안 환경 친화적인 대체품에 대한 수요는 급증할 것으로 보입니다. 이 동향은 변성 전분 산업에 새로운 길을 열고 세계의 지속가능성 목표에 부합함으로써 시장 성장을 가속합니다.
The global modified starch market size reached USD 15.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 22.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.61% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 42.7% in 2024. Rapid product utilization as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products, the growing consumer awareness regarding clean-label products, and the advent of precise food customization are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Modified starch is a starch derivative that has been physically, chemically, or enzymatically treated to change its natural properties. The aim of these modifications is to improve the starch's performance when used in various applications including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Some of the benefits of modified starch include enhanced water-holding capacity, improved texture, and better heat resistance. For example, in food processing, it is often used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, or emulsifier. In the pharmaceutical industry, it can be employed as a disintegrant or binder in tablets. The modification process can involve various methods such as hydrolysis, oxidation, or cross-linking. These treatments alter the molecular structure of the starch, making it more functional for specific uses. However, it's crucial to note that the modification must be carefully controlled to maintain safety and efficacy for its intended purpose. Modified starches are a versatile and important ingredient across numerous industries, offering improved characteristics over native starches.
One of the major market drivers for the modified starch industry is the rising demand in the food and beverage sector. Modified starch is widely used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products, such as sauces, soups, and baked goods. With the increasing consumer preference for convenience foods that offer extended shelf life and better texture, the utilization of modified starch has accelerated. Along with this, consumer awareness and demand for clean label products are increasing significantly. Consumers are more conscious of their food and are actively seeking natural and organic ingredients. Modified starches that comply with clean label criteria such as those derived from non-GMO or organic sources are gaining traction. In addition, the rise in vegetarianism and veganism has led to an increased demand for plant-based products. Modified starches play a crucial role in the texture and stabilization of these products. Apart from this, the animal feed market is another significant driver for modified starch as it is used as binders and as energy-providing ingredients in animal feeds. Moreover, the advent of precise customization of starch characteristics, resulting in tailored products that meet specific industrial requirements is creating a positive market outlook.
Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Another strong driver in the market growth for modified starch is its application in the pharmaceutical industry. Modified starch is commonly used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations. As the healthcare sector continues to grow globally, the need for efficient and reliable excipients in drug formulations has never been more critical. Modified starch offers multiple advantages over its native counterpart, such as improved compressibility, better flowability, and enhanced drug release profiles. This is particularly significant in creating sustained-release or controlled-release medication, thus expanding treatment options for patients with chronic conditions. Also, modified starches are being researched for their role in targeted drug delivery systems. These advantages make modified starch indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry, thereby fueling market demand.
Growing Textile and Paper Industry
The textile and paper industries are also significant contributors to the modified starch market's growth. In textiles, modified starch is used as a sizing agent to strengthen yarns during the weaving process. It provides superior adhesion, reducing yarn breakage, and enhancing the quality of the fabric. In the paper industry, modified starches are used for surface sizing and coating, which adds strength, print quality, and water resistance to the paper. As developing countries continue to industrialize, the demand for quality textiles and paper products is rising. This, in turn, pushes the need for modified starches that can deliver high performance in these applications. Given the global trends towards sustainable products, modified starches derived from renewable resources are gaining prominence, further boosting the market.
Environmental Concerns and Sustainability
A growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprint is another driving force in the modified starch market. Along with this, traditional petroleum-based polymers are increasingly being replaced by bio-based polymers, and modified starches are at the forefront of this transition. In addition, the utilization of modified starch in producing biodegradable plastics offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. These bioplastics are used in various applications, including packaging, agricultural films, and disposable cutlery. As governments worldwide implement more stringent regulations on plastic use, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives is likely to skyrocket. This trend opens new avenues for the modified starch industry and aligns it with global sustainability goals, thereby driving market growth.
Corn
Cassava
Wheat
Potato
Others
Corn dominates the market
The use of corn as a raw material in the modified starch industry is a significant market driver, particularly due to its abundant availability and relatively low cost. Corn-based modified starches are versatile and find extensive applications across various industries, including food and beverages, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the high amylose content in corn makes it suitable for modifications that require excellent gel-forming properties, making it a preferred choice for processed foods and baking applications. The bio-ethanol industry, which utilizes corn starch, also contributes to its demand, as the byproducts are often used in animal feed, thereby creating a circular economy. Moreover, corn is one of the crops for which non-GMO variants are readily available, catering to the rising consumer demand for clean-label products. Advancements in agricultural practices have further increased corn yields, making it a more sustainable option.
Starch Esters and Ethers
Resistant
Cationic
Pre-gelatinized
Others
Starch esters and ethers hold the largest share in the market
The market for starch esters and ethers within the modified starch industry is experiencing robust growth due to the widespread adoption in applications requiring emulsion stabilization, viscosity control, and gel strength. This makes them highly valuable in industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. One key driver is the demand for specialized additives in food products for improved texture and shelf-life. Starch esters and ethers meet this need effectively as they offer better heat resistance and freeze-thaw stability. Additionally, their application in pharmaceuticals as binders and disintegrants in tablets is gaining traction. The push for environmentally sustainable options is another driving factor; starch esters and ethers are increasingly being explored as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic polymers, especially in packaging applications. Moreover, advancements in processing technologies have enabled the development of customized starch esters and ethers with specific functionalities, further widening their application scope and driving market growth.
Thickeners
Stabilizers
Binders
Emulsifiers
Others
Thickeners dominate the market
The growing need for thickeners in various industries is a significant market driver for the modified starch sector. Modified starches serve as effective thickeners in a broad range of applications, most notably in the food and beverage industry where they are used to improve the texture, consistency, and mouthfeel of products like sauces, gravies, and soups. In confluence with this, the demand for thickeners is also high in cosmetics and personal care products, where modified starches are utilized for their excellent water-holding and stabilizing properties. Another sector contributing to the thickener demand is the construction industry, where modified starch is used to improve the consistency of concrete mixes. Apart from this, the increasing consumer preference for gluten-free products is further boosting the demand for modified starch as a thickening agent as it is a suitable alternative to traditional flour-based thickeners. Advances in starch modification technology have led to the development of customized solutions that offer better heat stability and pH tolerance, making modified starches more adaptable and thereby driving market growth.
Food and Beverages
Animal Feed
Paper
Pharmaceuticals
Textiles
Others
Food and beverages hold the largest share in the market
The food and beverage sector serves as a pivotal market driver for the modified starch industry. One of the main factors contributing to this is the growing consumer demand for convenience and ready-to-eat foods. Modified starches are crucial in these products, offering improved texture, enhanced flavor release, and increased shelf life. They function as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in a variety of food products, from sauces and soups to bakery items and dairy products. In confluence with this, the increasing health consciousness among consumers is also driving the use of modified starch as a fat replacer, allowing for reduced-calorie formulations without compromising on texture or taste. Additionally, the clean-label movement, which focuses on natural and organic ingredients, is stimulating innovation in non-GMO and organic-modified starches. Global trends towards vegetarian and vegan diets further boost the demand for modified starch as a key ingredient in plant-based foods. Furthermore, the diverse applications and evolving consumer preferences within the food and beverage industry significantly contribute to the growing market for modified starch.
North America
United States
Canada
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
North America exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest modified starch market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America exhibits the largest segment.
The North America market for modified starch is propelled by a combination of factors, notably technological advancement, consumer preferences, and industrial growth. The region hosts a thriving food and beverage sector, where modified starches are extensively used as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in a wide array of products ranging from baked goods to dairy items. In addition, the increasing consumer focus on health and wellness is driving the demand for modified starches as fat replacers and as components in gluten-free and clean-label products.
Moreover, the robust pharmaceutical industry in North America offers another avenue for growth, with modified starches used as binders and disintegrants in drug formulations. The expanding biofuel and biodegradable plastics sectors also contribute to market dynamics, as modified starches are key components in these sustainable initiatives. Additionally, the presence of key market players and sophisticated research facilities in the region accelerates innovation and adoption. All these elements combine to make North America a substantial market driver in the global modified starch industry.
The global market is experiencing significant growth due to the escalating number of research and development activities to create innovative types of modified starch that can serve specific industry needs. This includes developing modified starches that are non-GMO, organic, or that cater to specific functionalities, including better heat stability, viscosity control, or targeted drug delivery. Along with this, Companies are expanding their operations globally, particularly targeting emerging markets where there is a growing middle-class population with a higher demand for processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics that utilize modified starches. In addition, strategic partnerships with other industry players or research institutions are also positively influencing the market. These collaborations often focus on research, product development, or distribution. Apart from this, firms are also diversifying their product portfolios to include a broader range of modified starches catering to different industries. Furthermore, the rising consumer and regulatory focus on sustainability is contributing to the market.
AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG (AGRANA Zucker, Starke und Frucht Holding AG)
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Cargill Incorporated
Emsland-Starke GmbH
Grain Processing Corporation (Kent Corporation)
Ingredion Incorporated
Novidon B.V. (Duynie Group)
Roquette Freres
SMS Corporation
Tate & Lyle PLC
Tereos
The cooperative Royal Avebe U.A.
Kindly, note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report