The new facility, in Pischelsdorf, has been built alongside its bioethanol plant in an effort to use 100% of the raw material, with byproducts used for bioethanol as well as animal feed. It is expected to produce 105,000 tonnes of wheat starch, 23,500 tonnes of wheat gluten, and 55,000 tonnes of wheat bran each year, the company said.
"Agrana's aim is to maximise the efficient use of commodities by means of the optimal tapping of synergies at its production sites,” said Agrana CEO Johann Marihart. “This closed-cycle form of commercial operations means that we are a major step closer to achieving this objective as a result of the wheat starch production in Pischelsdorf.”
In the food industry, wheat starch is used in noodles, bread and baked goods, while wheat gluten is used in the bakery industry to refine flour, as well as in pet food. Wheat starch is also used in the paper industry, and wheat bran is used as animal feed.
The company initially announced its intention to enter the wheat starch business - and the construction of the facility - about two years ago.