But massive research and product development of a new type is needed to properly exploit these materials. The model for product quality and reliability has already been set by the international starch industry. Far more work must be carried out on those characteristics that make products more convenient to distribute and easier to process, and that enhance the physical, chemical and organic properties required by target markets. For those starches that do not have the native functional characteristics desired, additional efforts must be made to value-add or modify them so that they can compete internationally. The AGSI study says the single most important guide for practical research is undoubtedly the marketplace.
Large markets require a consistent supply, and reliable price and quality.
They are reluctant to be pioneers and it is extremely difficult to interest markets in new products unless these criteria can be assured. Once these basic factors are accounted for, the next most critical consideration is product performance, which depends on functional characteristics. These characteristics follow on from the physico-chemical properties of starch granules. The size and distribution of starch granules is important for specific applications. For instance, the small granule size of rice starch makes it highly suitable for laundry sizing of fine fabrics and for skin cosmetics.