On Thursday, 27 June, the Lipetsk Special Economic Zone hosted a time capsule ceremony that marked the start of construction at a new site. Rustark, the new factory, will process wheat into starch products and biopolymers, which are innovative materials for the production of environmentally friendly plastics.
It is not by chance that Lipetsk was chosen to be a host region for the factory. Lipetsk boasts all the advantages that are needed to establish a high-tech agricultural facility – fertile soil, hard-working people, traditionally high wheat yields, and perfect investment conditions created in the Lipetsk Special Economic Zone with support from regional authorities.
The official ceremony was attended by representatives of regional government bodies, federal authorities, as well as research and technology partner companies from Denmark, Holland and Switzerland.
A scientific conference was organized after the time capsule ceremony to discuss prospects of the biopolymer industry. The conference brought together representatives of global technology leaders, students and lecturers of local colleges and universities.
The time capsule, which contains a project manifesto, is planned to be opened in 2035. Until then, as the long-term investment plan provides for, an advanced industrial cluster will be created to manufacture biopolymers and bio components, which are in demand both nationally and internationally, for the production of environmentally friendly and recyclable plastics.
Wheat starch is a natural biopolymer. It will be modified with the innovative technology developed by industry leaders in association with Rustark to make bioplastics with improved consumer properties. These plastics will have advantages over conventional materials made from oil products and will not damage the environment.
Rustark: Project Highlights
Rustark combines multi-year experience in grain processing with an advanced business strategy and the best available technologies globally. The project was initiated by its key investor, UTF Holding Group specializing in agricultural produce processing. Its other core assets include Gulkevichsky Starch Factory, one of the leaders of the Russian starch and syrup industry, a major starch exporter and Russia’s only producer of unparalleled high-tech starch products compliant with the highest global standards, as well as Khleb Kubani manufacturing animal feeds and corn oil.
According to the investment plan, Rustark will increase its production capacity in four phases that will cover a period of 10 to 15 years.
In the first phase that will last till 2021, the factory will process up to 500 tons per day and manufacture modified starches that are not yet manufactured in Russia. Investments in the construction and related infrastructure will amount to RUB 8 billion.
The second phase will last till 2024. The processing capacity will be increased to 1,500 tons per day, and the factory will begin producing biopolymers and biomonomers. Investments will total RUB 15 billion.
The third phase will last till 2026, with the processing capacity to reach 2,500 tons per day. The range of biopolymer products will be expanded. Investments will total RUB 15 billion.
The fourth phase will last till 2030, with the processing capacity to reach 3,000 tons per day. New bioplastics will be added to the product range. Investments will amount to RUB 25 billion.
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