Corn Plastic: A Renewable Solution to Plastic Pollution

Tara Desmond
June 13, 2025

What Is Corn Plastic? Discover the Renewable Power of PLA

You already know corn offers big potential to help address climate challenges but how familiar are you with the renewable products it makes possible? If you're talking with friends or family who aren’t in agriculture, could you explain one of the biggest innovations in the space: Polylactic Acid (PLA), also known as corn plastic? We’ve moved things around on our website, but this story is worth revisiting.


What is corn plastic?

We’ve all seen what traditional plastic does to the environment. That’s why scientists have spent years exploring how to create biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives using renewable resources. One option: replace petroleum-based plastics with bio-based plastics. A 2017 study showed that doing so could reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.


How does it work?

Corn plastic is made by converting corn into a resin called polylactic acid (PLA). While corn is the most common base due to affordability and availability, PLA can also come from sugarcane, tapioca root, cassava, or sugar beet.


Why use corn plastic?

  • Uses 65% less energy to produce compared to traditional plastics
  • Emits 68% fewer greenhouse gases
  • Made from renewable resources like corn, instead of finite resources like oil or natural gas
  • Biodegradable – some PLA plastics break down in as little as 45–90 days
  • No toxic fumes when incinerated
  • FDA-approved – safe for food contact and generally recognized as safe


Where can I buy corn plastic products?

PLA is commonly used in 3-D printing, so you’ll find many corn plastic items in 3-D gift shops. You’ll also see more cups, straws, lids, and containers made with PLA in restaurants and at events.

Here are a few places to look:


Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More