Items made from biodegradable Corn Based Plastics

This page is meant to serve as a primer on promotional items based on corn plastics provided by Proforma. For more information please email us.

Q: How is corn converted to plastic?

A: Corn kernels are removed from the cob and soaked in a combination of sulfur dioxide and water. Corn swells and softens with the mild acidity loosening the gluten bonds of corn to release starch. The corn is ground and starch is separated and processed into sugar. This is fermented to create lactic acid into small pellets of PLA, the basic building block for plastic.

Q: What other products use corn plastic in their manufacturing?

A: Everything from plastic eating utensils to T-shirts. Common uses are deli food packaging, plastic wrap, and clothing fiber.

Q: Are corn plastics ecology friendly?

A: Certainly. While coming from an easily renewable source, corn plastics also can be composted. A plastic bag made from corn could decompose in about a month. A similar oil based bag could take centuries to decompose.

Q: Are corn plastics competitive in price with petroleum-based plastics?

A: Extremely. Corn plastics can remain competitive with oil prices even if the price of oil dropped to the mid $20’s per barrel.

Q: Is there enough corn grown in the U.S. to handle potential demand?
A: Certainly. In fact U.S. corn yields are increasing by 5 billion pounds a year.

Q: Have there been large users of corn plastic items?

A: Yes, Coca-Cola used 500,000 thin walled disposable cups at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Instead of a large trash problem, used cups were simply composted.

Q: How does a Corn Plastic Mug compare to their standard petroleum based plastic mugs?

A: Corn Mugs are slightly heavier in weight about 16% more than their standard counterparts. Corn mugs cannot be molded in clear or translucent colors. Both mugs have excellent thermal qualities because of their thick walled construction. Corn mugs are priced about 7% to 10% LESS than standard plastic mugs of the same construction.

*** Click here to see Corn Plastic Items in our Online Catalog ***

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