How Corn is Used in Plastic
Crushed Plastic Bottle
Plastics do not only consist of synthetic substances – in fact, corn-based plastics have become very popular in recent years as companies strive to find methods for reducing the environmental impact of plastics. Many plastic manufacturers have recognized the importance of finding new and innovative ways to produce their products. These companies have found that using corn decreases their manufacturing expenses since it’s cheaper than oil; for this same reason it’s also more predictable thanks to the decreased dependence on the geopolitical climate in oil-producing countries.
Corn-based plastics use up to 68% less fossil fuels during production than traditional plastics, and are estimated to emit 55% less greenhouse gases. Additionally, many of these plastics are also biodegradable. As the Environmental Protection Agency continues to push for stricter regulations against plastic producers, the need for corn in plastic manufacturing is set to increase. You’ll find corn plastics used in food containers and plastic food packaging, disposable dishware, and even gift cards.
Yes, Corn is in Your Batteries
Ethanol isn’t the only form of energy derived from corn. In addition to fueling our cars, some batteries also contain corn derivatives found in the form of “bioelectricity”. In batteries, cornstarch is often used as an electrical conductor.
It Even Makes You Smell Better...
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and hygiene items, including deodorants. Many natural or homemade deodorants include cornstarch as an ingredient because of its absorbent nature. Many gel deodorants also contain a corn derivative in the form of denatured alcohol, also known as ethanol. Similarly, hand sanitizer also typically contains ethanol.
...and Eases the Common Cold
Yellow Cough Drops
Corn syrup is one of the main ingredients in cough drops, as well as many hard candies, providing that flavorful sweetness. It also helps provide the shape and candy-like texture that allows for the wrapping and packaging of individual pieces.
Where Would Babies Be Without Corn?
You can thank the absorbent nature of cornstarch for its assistance in the production of diapers. Though the absorbent layer found in modern-day diapers is typically made with acrylic acid, a component of ethylene (another derivative of corn), you’ll also find traditional cornstarch used in diaper production. Baby powder, an item which is often used along with diapers, also typically contains cornstarch due to its absorbent nature.
Corn Helps Matches Burn Bright
Corn, and more specifically cornstarch, is a common ingredient in the production of matchsticks. Additionally, matchsticks that are formed on paper or cardstock may include corn products in the paper itself to increase its rigidity. Pellet stoves that burn corn-based pellets are also available for home heating purposes.
From Crop to Medication
Medication Pills
Many medications and vitamins contain corn products, particularly cornstarch. The starch is used as a binder, or within the tablet’s coating, and helps drugs to hold their form. Additionally, cornstarch is used as an agent that helps the tablets disintegrate after they are ingested. Many medications delay the activation of their ingredients in order to regulate doses over time. By using a natural product such as corn starch in the coating of tablets, pharmaceutical companies can accurately engineer medications to be as safe and effective as possible. Cornstarch is an appealing ingredient for these uses because it’s a well-researched and natural product that’s easily digested by humans.
Corn is Beneath Our Feet
Carpets and other textile products now make wide use of corn in their production processes. The commodity is often found in petroleum-based textile production, but can also be found in colorings or dyes. Corn-based products are preferable to petroleum-based products in textile production because they are environmentally friendly.
Vitamin C(orn)
The vast majority of commercially distributed vitamin C is derived from corn. Corn is rich with vitamin C; half a cup of corn contains roughly 33% of your suggested daily intake of vitamin C. This makes it an appealing source for enriching various products, or in the production of vitamin C tablets.