Corn Plastics

Corn Plastic Products: A natural alternative to petroleum based plastics

As people become more concerned with the natural environment, businesses have begun to change their behavior in an attempt to address environmental concerns. One such behavior that is becoming more popular among business is the idea and practice of "green marketing". Green marketing refers to the promotion or advertising of products with environmental characteristics that incorporates a broad range of activities, including product modification, changes to the production process and packaging changes.

A new line of corn-based plastics, called polylactides or PLA, has quickly come on the scene as an alternative to petroleum based plastics. In the midst of soaring oil prices, disruptive supplies and increased petroleum demand, your business can utilize corn plastic that not only helps relieve U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but is based on a renewable U.S. grown agricultural product.

According to the NatureWorks Web site, corn plastic is made by isolating the starch stored in the corn kernels and converting it into sugars. During a process of fermentation and separation the sugars become lactic acid, which is used to create the plastic called polylactide. It requires about 20% to 30% less energy to produce and contributes only half the carbon dioxide than petroleum based plastics.

Corn is an abundant and renewable resource in the U.S. with roughly a billion bushels of corn grown annually. Corn based plastics also break down naturally by composting in 47 days and doesn't emit toxic fumes when incinerated. It also requires 20 to 50 percent less fossil fuel to manufacture than regular plastics.

Corn plastics are used in a number of promotional products ranging from plastic drink ware to t-shirts and are offered at a less expensive price then petroleum based plastic products. By using corn products for promotional products, you also promote U.S. advertisers, U.S. farmers and help strengthen the natural environment.


*Scientific facts about corn plastics come from the NatureWorks, LLC Web site.*