A growing number of promotional products are now available made from corn plastic instead of traditional petroleum-based plastic. These products range from food and beverage containers such as mugs and canisters, household items such as fly swatters and chip clips, and desk accessories like pens and rulers. Several questions came to mind when we began seeing these products. So, we wanted to share the information we learned to help in the decision-making process when purchasing promotional products for your organization.
What is corn plastic and how is it made? Corn plastic is made from an industrial resin produced from standard field corn varieties. This resin, known as polylactic acid (or lactic acid), abbreviated as PLA, is then formed into containers and packaging for food and consumer goods.
Is corn plastic made from regular corn? Yes, corn plastic is made from standard field corn varieties commonly grown in the United States, and does require the use of genetically-modified seed.
Does corn plastic look and perform differently than traditional plastic? Products made from corn plastic are similar to those made from PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), and perform in much the same way and exhibit similar tensile strength. Corn plastic can be rigid or flexible, and clear or tinted.
Is there an overall energy efficiency or smaller carbon footprint to support the use of corn plastic instead of traditional petroleum-based plastic? Manufacturers have documented that the production of corn plastic requires fewer fossil resources and generates fewer greenhouse gases than traditional plastics. And, the production and use of corn plastic offers the added benefits of CO2 absorption through photosynthesis, it is a renewable natural resource, it is compostable leaving no harmful natural compounds, and is recyclable.
Can corn plastic be composted in our backyards just like grass and leaf trimmings? No, because for the compositing process to work the humidity and temperature levels must be managed very strictly. Corn plastic is compostable at commercial composting facilities, and can also be incinerated or recycled at commercial facilities. Corn plastic has been developed in a manner to allow its disposal to be readily and easily accommodated by the commercial landfills, incinerators and recycling centers across our nation. Some corn plastic products such as disposable drink ware will begin to break down in approximately 50 days under commercial composting conditions.
Are corn plastic products economical? The manufacture of corn plastic is a developing industry and therefore less competition meaning that there is less market pressure to lower its cost at the current time. But, the field corn varieties used to produce corn plastic are one of the world's cheapest sources of fermentable sugar, and with the rapidly rising costs of petroleum worldwide its cost is becoming much more comparable to that of traditional plastics.
If you would like to explore products made with corn plastic for your next promotion, or if you have questions please contact us at sales@themarketpro.net or call 1-800-905-0073.