Corn Plastics: The Eco-Friendly Way to Bring Your Brand to the Masses

FollowMolly, Oct 20, 2008

As people become more concerned about the 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 incorporate 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 emerged as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. In the midst of soaring oil prices, disruptive supplies and increased petroleum demand, your business can utilize a material that not only helps relieve U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but is based on a renewable agricultural product grown right here in the U.S.A.

Corn plastics are made by isolating the starch stored in 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 than petroleum based plastics and produces half the carbon dioxide.

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 don't emit toxic fumes when incinerated.

Corn plastics are used in a number of promotional products ranging from plastic drinkware to t-shirts, and are often offered at a less expensive price then petroleum-based plastic products. By using corn products for your promotional products, you also support U.S. farmers and help preserve the environment.