Headquartered in Thailand, SMS Corporation has led the global modified tapioca starch industry since 1985. Operating three state-of-the-art facilities in Pathum Thani, Chaiyaphum, and Buriram, the company produces 400,000 tons annually and delivers advanced starch solutions to over 70 countries worldwide.
SMS serves a wide array of sectors. In the food industry, it supports bakery, snacks, dairy, frozen foods, and sauces. In non-food sectors, it provides innovative solutions for paper, adhesives, textiles, construction, bioplastics, and personal care. Additionally, SMS develops specialized starch products for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers.
Guided by the core values of innovation, quality, integrity, and sustainability, SMS invests heavily in research and development through its dedicated Innovation Center. It also champions ethical supply chains, empowers local farmers, and minimizes environmental impact. By transforming tapioca into high-value, sustainable products, the company strengthens global industries while actively promoting community development and ecological stewardship.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at Paperex 2025, Nattapat Pongsiripat, Assistant Paper Technical Manager at SMS Corporation, shared insights on the company’s starch solutions for the paper industry. He discussed India’s potential as a market for their products and unveiled plans for new product launches.
Here are the key takeaways from his engaging discussion.
Q: Can you elaborate on the starch solutions SMS Corporation provides specifically for the paper industry?
A: We provide modified tapioca starch specifically for the paper industry. By using our starch, paper machines can operate at higher speeds while reducing steam consumption and lowering the cost of coating color formulations. Additionally, it enhances the strength and overall quality of the paper. Paper mills can strategically balance costs between high-quality fiber and premium starch. When integrated correctly, our starch significantly improves paper properties and delivers measurable performance benefits.
Q: Do you currently have operations in India, or are you planning to establish offices here?
A: Regarding our operations in India, we may establish a local office in the near future. Currently, however, we serve Indian customers exclusively through our network of distributors.
Q: How do you view India as a market for your products?
A: We find India to be a highly promising market. Several segments of the paper industry are still experiencing growth, particularly printing and writing paper. While other countries face a declining trend, India’s paper sector continues to expand, making it an especially attractive market for investment and development.
Q: Could you provide details on the new products you intend to launch?
A: We now offer liquid polymer for paper mills, which simplifies operations by eliminating the need to cook the starch. This innovative product introduces new possibilities for the industry.
Our liquid polymer strengthens paper by enhancing chemical bonding within the paper sheets. As a result, the overall quality and durability of the paper improve significantly. By integrating this solution, mills can achieve higher performance and more consistent paper strength.
