Futuristic building facade made of beet pulp and starch composite panels with plants.

Beet Pulp and Starch Composites: The Eco-Friendly Insulation of the Future?

Mira Elwood in Climate & Environment November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how starch-beet pulp composites could revolutionize building insulation, offering a sustainable alternative to reduce CO2 emissions and improve hygrothermal performance."

The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With buildings accounting for approximately 50% of total energy consumption and 11% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the need for renewable and eco-friendly materials has never been more critical. Bio-based composites are emerging as an innovative solution, offering the potential to maintain high indoor comfort while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Among the promising alternatives, crop by-products have garnered attention. Wheat straw has been used in sustainable buildings, and hemp concrete stands out as a well-researched composite material. These materials often exhibit a porous structure, providing good thermal insulation and excellent humidity regulation. Now, a new contender is entering the arena: starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites.

A recent study has explored the potential of using composites made entirely from beet pulp and potato starch for building insulation. Sugar beet, widely cultivated, yields beet pulp as a by-product. When combined with potato starch, the resulting composite offers a potentially revolutionary, plant-based alternative. This article delves into the hygrothermal and acoustical performance of S-BP composites, examining their viability as a sustainable building material.

Unlocking the Potential of Starch-Beet Pulp Composites: A Deep Dive

Futuristic building facade made of beet pulp and starch composite panels with plants.

The research meticulously examined the properties of starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites. Four different mixtures with varying starch-to-beet pulp (S/BP) mass ratios were created (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) to assess the impact of starch content on the material's characteristics. Researchers focused on physical properties such as porosity and density, as well as performance metrics like thermal conductivity and hygric behavior. The influence of humidity on acoustical properties was also a key area of investigation.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors studied:

Porosity: How much empty space is within the material, influencing insulation and absorption.
Density: The mass per unit volume, affecting structural integrity and material usage.
Thermal Conductivity: The ability to conduct heat, crucial for insulation effectiveness.
Hygric Properties: How the material interacts with moisture, impacting indoor air quality and preventing mold.
Acoustic Performance: The material's ability to absorb sound, contributing to noise reduction.

The findings revealed that both starch and humidity levels significantly influence the hygrothermal and acoustical properties of the S-BP composite due to its porosity. Notably, the composite with the lowest starch content (S/BP = 0.1) appeared to offer the best balance of hygrothermal and acoustical performance.

The Future of Green Building is Here

The study suggests that starch-beet pulp composites hold considerable promise as a sustainable alternative for building insulation. By optimizing the starch content, particularly at lower ratios (S/BP = 0.1), it's possible to achieve a material that balances thermal efficiency, moisture regulation, and sound absorption. Further research and development could pave the way for widespread adoption of this eco-friendly material, contributing to a greener and more sustainable construction industry.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3390/ma11091622, Alternate LINK

Title: Hygrothermal And Acoustical Performance Of Starch-Beet Pulp Composites For Building Thermal Insulation

Subject: General Materials Science

Journal: Materials

Publisher: MDPI AG

Authors: Hamzé Karaky, Chadi Maalouf, Christophe Bliard, Tala Moussa, Nadim El Wakil, Mohammed Lachi, Guillaume Polidori

Published: 2018-09-05

Everything You Need To Know

What are starch-beet pulp composites, and why are they considered a potentially revolutionary material for building insulation?

Starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites present a promising sustainable alternative to traditional building insulation materials. They are created by combining beet pulp, a by-product of sugar beet cultivation, with potato starch. Research indicates that these composites can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve thermal efficiency, and enhance acoustic performance, all crucial for promoting eco-friendly construction practices.

What key properties of starch-beet pulp composites were examined in the study, and how do these properties contribute to their performance as insulation?

The research involved creating starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites with varying starch-to-beet pulp (S/BP) mass ratios (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4). The properties examined included porosity (empty space within the material), density (mass per unit volume), thermal conductivity (ability to conduct heat), hygric properties (interaction with moisture), and acoustic performance (ability to absorb sound). These factors determine the material's suitability for insulation and its impact on indoor air quality and noise reduction.

How does porosity influence the performance of starch-beet pulp composites, and why is it an important factor in their application as insulation?

Porosity in starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites influences both insulation and absorption properties. High porosity can lead to better thermal insulation due to the presence of air pockets that resist heat flow. It also affects the material's ability to absorb moisture and sound. Understanding and controlling porosity is essential for optimizing the performance of S-BP composites in building applications.

What does the study suggest about optimizing the starch content in starch-beet pulp composites to achieve the best balance of properties for building insulation?

The ideal starch content in starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites, particularly at lower starch-to-beet pulp ratios (S/BP = 0.1), achieves a balance between thermal efficiency, moisture regulation, and sound absorption. This balance is crucial for optimizing the material’s overall performance as a building insulation. Further research is needed to explore different formulations and production methods to enhance the performance and durability of S-BP composites.

Why are hygric properties important in starch-beet pulp composites, and how do they affect the suitability of the material for building insulation?

Hygric properties in starch-beet pulp (S-BP) composites refer to how the material interacts with moisture. These properties impact indoor air quality and mold prevention. If the composite can effectively regulate moisture, it can help maintain a comfortable indoor environment and prevent moisture-related issues. However, it’s essential to consider the moisture resistance and durability of the material to ensure long-term performance in varying humidity conditions.