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Novel Corn-based Biopolymer Arrives in USNovel Corn-based Biopolymer Arrives in US

Corn Next’s patented fermentation process transforms cornstarch into a fully biodegradable biopolymer with unique properties.

Rick Lingle

January 22, 2025

3 Min Read
corn kernels and Corn Next logo
Corn Next and Rick Lingle via Canva

At a Glance

  • CornNext-17 decomposes harmlessly within 30 days; any residue enriches the soil
  • Applicable for a range of markets from automotive to packaging
  • Supplier Corn Next continues R&D and seeks partnerships

A baseball diamond in a cornfield might seem like a wild idea, but in the movie Field of Dreams it became a place filled with unlimited potential. Similarly, a pioneering company is now looking to fields of corn as a key to unlocking a more sustainable and hopeful future.

And why not? Corn is one of the most abundant crops in the world, ranking second only to sugarcane and rice. In the United States, it is the largest crop by both acreage and production value.

Corn Next is harnessing this plentiful resource with the launch of CornNext-17, a groundbreaking bio-based material. Made from renewable cornstarch, CornNext-17 uses a patented fermentation process to create a fully biodegradable bioplastic.

What distinguishes it from traditional plastics and common bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is that CornNext-17 retains its natural polysaccharide structure. 

Why does that matter? The material fully decomposes within 30 days without leaving toxic materials and has received Biodegradable Products Institute certification, according to Corn Next. Any remaining residue — around 2% — enriches the soil. Furthermore, CornNext-17 products can be repurposed as animal feed, creating a closed-loop lifecycle.

"CornNext-17 represents a significant leap forward in sustainable materials," says Randy Yongzhong Zhang, founder and CEO, Corn Next. "We are proud to offer a solution that addresses the urgent need for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. The development of CornNext-17 is guided by our vision to revolutionize how materials are used and discarded. As a fully natural biodegradable innovation, it marks not just a breakthrough in material science, but a significant milestone in humanity's pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future."

Related:Dow Sources Bio-based Feedstock for US Plastics Production

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CornNext-17 properties and applications

Corn Next reports the sustainable material has these advantages in that it is:

  • Versatile — it is suitable for a range of applications, including packaging, consumer goods, and industrial components.

  • Cost-effective — It is made using an efficient manufacturing process and is competitively priced.

High performance — it exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.

These wide-ranging characteristics makes it applicable for a range of market applications:

  • Consumer goods — applications include compostable tableware, single-use products, and food containers. 

  • Packaging — the material's strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and moisture make it appropriate for biodegradable packaging across retail, food, and industrial applications.

  • Agriculture — it can also be used to produce biodegradable mulch films, seedling trays, and irrigation components, reducing waste and enhancing soil health.

  • Healthcare — completely degradable, CornNext-17 is suitable for medical supplies such as gloves, syringes, and packaging, ensuring environmental safety.

  • Automotive — lightweight and durable, it can be used in automotive components such as panels, trim, and interior parts, contributing to vehicle sustainability and fuel efficiency.

  • Electronics — as a biodegradable alternative, CornNext-17 can replace certain plastic components in electronics, helping reduce electronic waste.

A Corn Next pivot and solicitation for partnerships

The Irvine, CA-based company offers a white paper with extensive details about CornNext-17 that can be reached by clicking "Learn More" at this link.

In it we find that CornNext-17 has been in development for eight years in South Korea after the use of the rice starch for a previous bio-based-material “raised ethical concerns.” The company, also known as Y&J World Inc., pivoted to creating a bio-based material derived from corn starch. It has evolved from a concept to a scalable reality and is available in granular form. 

Corn Next is committed to advancing CornNext-17's applications through ongoing research and development, fostering innovation in biodegradable materials. The company seeks strategic collaborations with industry leaders, partners, investors, financial institutions, government agencies, and research organizations to drive the widespread adoption of CornNext-17 and accelerate the global shift toward a more sustainable future.

Read more about cornstarch biopolymersPLA, and PHA at PlasticsToday.

About the Author

Rick Lingle

Rick Lingle, now a freelancer, was Senior Technical Editor for PlasticsToday, and previously for Packaging Digest, until his retirement in December 2024. Lingle has been a packaging media journalist since 1985, specializing in food, beverage, and plastic markets. He earned a chemistry degree from Clarke College and worked in food industry R&D for Standard Brands/Nabisco and the R.T. French Co. He can be reached at [email protected].

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