Cationic starch is one of the most important modified starches used across the Indian paper, textile, adhesive, and packaging sectors. Its positive ionic charge allows it to bond effectively with negatively charged fibres, fillers, and pigments. This results in improved retention, better sheet strength, enhanced printability, and superior surface properties in paper and board products.

As demand for high-quality packaging, better print performance, and industrial-grade starch derivatives grows in India, several manufacturers have developed expertise in producing consistent and high-performance cationic starch. Below is a detailed overview of the Top 5 Cationic Starch Manufacturers in India, based on product quality, market reputation, industry focus, and technical support.

1. Bala Chem Solutions

Bala Chem Solutions is widely recognised for its strong focus on paper-industry chemicals and specially formulated cationic starch products. What sets the company apart is its deep understanding of paper mill requirements and the ability to customise surface sizing agents and wet-end additives based on mill specifications.

Key Services & Specialisations

• Cationic surface sizing agents designed to improve paper stiffness, print performance, and surface strength.
• Wet-end cationic starch grades that enhance fibre retention, internal bonding, and drainage.
• Technical consultation for mills, including dosage optimisation, compatibility testing, and on-site support.
• Paper chemical solutions such as retention aids, binders, and strengthening additives that work synergistically with cationic starch.
• Custom formulations designed for printing papers, boards, kraft grades, and specialty paper applications.

Industries Served

• Paper & packaging mills
• Printing & writing paper units
• Duplex board and kraft board manufacturers

Bala Chem Solutions is preferred by many medium and large mills due to its reliable consistency, strong technical backing, and ability to offer specialised blends rather than standardised products.

2. Everest Starch Private Limited

Everest Starch is one of India’s prominent starch processors with large-scale production capabilities. The company manufactures a wide range of native and modified starches, including dedicated cationic starch grades used in paper, adhesives, textiles, and industrial applications.

Key Services & Specialisations

• Cationic starch for wet-end applications, specially formulated for strength improvement, fibre retention, and drainage optimisation.
• Large-scale milling operations, ensuring consistency, bulk supply, and long-term contract capability.
• Diverse product range including oxidised starch, pregelatinised starch, dextrin, thin-boiling starch, and pharma-grade starches.
• Custom viscosity and charge density options for different paper applications.
• Food and pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, suitable for industries requiring high-purity starch derivatives.

Industries Served

• Paper & packaging
• Food & beverage ingredients
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles
• Adhesives & industrial binders

Everest Starch is known for its strong quality systems, consistent supply, and ability to cater to clients across multiple sectors.

3. Angel Starch & Food Pvt Ltd

Angel Starch is one of the most established names in the modified starch industry. The company manufactures both food-grade and industrial-grade starches, supplying to domestic and international markets. They offer several variants of cationic starch used widely in the textile and paper industries.

Key Services & Specialisations

• Cationic starch products designed for surface applications and wet-end use in paper mills.
• Specialised food-grade starch solutions, widely used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, and processed food industries.
• Textile sizing starches, ensuring tensile strength and smooth weaving performance.
• R&D support for developing tailor-made functional starches with specific viscosity and bonding properties.
• Consistent export-grade manufacturing, suitable for international buyers seeking regulatory compliance.

Industries Served

• Paper & packaging
• Textiles & yarn sizing
• Food ingredients
• Nutraceuticals
• Adhesives & industrial binders

Angel Starch stands out due to its multi-sector product range, research-driven solutions, and strong export presence.

4. Shubham Starch Chem (P) Ltd

Shubham Starch Chem is a dedicated producer of industrial modified starches, including cationic starch designed for paper and textile applications. The company is known for supplying specialty grades with controlled viscosity and charge levels, suitable for high-performance industrial needs.

Key Services & Specialisations

• Cationic starch for wet-end applications, particularly for improving internal bond strength and filler retention.
• Surface application starches for duplex board, writing paper, kraft paper, and coated grades.
• Oxidised, pregelatinised, and dextrin starch variants used across adhesives, corrugation, and textile finishing.
• Customised formulations for specific mill requirements related to fibre type, filler loading, and machine speed.
• Export capabilities, supplying cationic starch to several overseas markets.

Industries Served

• Paper mills (wet-end & surface sizing)
• Textile sizing units
• Corrugation & packaging industry
• Adhesive manufacturers

Shubham Starch Chem is preferred by industries requiring reliable quality and technical adaptability in cationic starch.

5. Santosh Starch Products Ltd (SSPL)

Santosh Starch Products Ltd, commonly known as SSPL, is a well-established starch manufacturer with a wide portfolio of 60+ industrial, food, and specialty starch products. Their range includes several cationic starch variants tailored for both wet-end and surface sizing needs.

Key Services & Specialisations

• SANTO-CAT series of cationic starch, designed for duplex board, kraft board, and printing paper.
• Surface sizing and coating starches offering better film formation, stiffness, and surface bonding.
• Industry-specific formulations for paper, textiles, food, pharmaceuticals, and drilling industries.
• Quality assurance and traceability systems, suitable for regulated markets.
• Technical support for application testing, machine trials, and performance optimisation.

Industries Served

• Paper & duplex board mills
• Food processing industries
• Textile mills
• Pharma companies
• Industrial binder applications

SSPL is known for combining traditional industry experience with modern manufacturing, making it a reliable name in the modified-starch segment.

How to Choose the Right Cationic Starch Manufacturer

Before finalising a supplier, consider the following:

1. Understand your application

• Wet-end strength improvement needs higher charge density.
• Surface sizing needs lower viscosity and better film formation.

2. Check technical support availability

Paper mills, especially high-speed machines, require guidance for:

• dosage control
• drainage optimisation
• compatibility with fillers
• retention aid system setting

Choosing a supplier with strong on-site support is always helpful.

3. Look at supply capacity

For mills running multiple shifts, ensure:

• consistent inventory
• timely bulk delivery
• ability to meet seasonal demand changes

4. Evaluate customisation

Every mill has different:

• fibre mixes
• ash content
• machine speeds
• coating formulations

A manufacturer with R&D and custom formulations can offer better long-term results.

5. Focus on quality consistency

Even slight variations in starch viscosity or charge can affect:

• drainage
• sheet formation
• surface finish
• printability

Choose a supplier that maintains strict QC standards.

India has a strong and growing market for cationic starch, supported by expanding paper and textile industries. Among the top manufacturers, Bala Chem Solutions stands out for its industry-specific focus and deep technical expertise, making it a preferred partner for paper mills seeking reliable cationic starch solutions.

The other leading manufacturers — Everest Starch, Angel Starch, Shubham Starch Chem, and Santosh Starch Products Ltd — each bring their own strengths, from large-scale production and export capacity to sector-specialised solutions.

By understanding your application needs, required viscosity levels, and chemical compatibility, you can easily choose the right supplier that aligns with your production goals.