Millions of Illinois consumers learn about the sustainability of corn bioplastic

March 3, 2022
Millions of illinois consumers learn about the sustainability of corn bioplastic.

IL Corn partnered with six restaurants in the Chicago area to take over their takeout, replacing traditional takeout containers with corn-based alternatives. This project was designed to help Chicago consumers understand how corn and corn co-products are an important solution to global challenges and it was a success.

 

The project is an extension of the Illinois Farm Families project. Illinois Farm Families is a coalition of Illinois Beef Association, IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and Midwest Dairy that works to connect farmers and non-farmers. Ultimately, the coalition aims to build trust in Illinois farmers that they are growing food with care.

Here are the results.

tara at white sox stadium
By Tara Desmond • October 16, 2026
Five years at IL Corn with farming, farmers, corn, and storytelling—with a few hot dogs, viral videos, and plenty of Midwestern waves.
Mexican CANAMI (National Chamber of Industrialized Corn) members at Illinois farm
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
IL Corn & USGBC hosted Mexican masa millers on southern Illinois farms and river terminals, strengthening ties with our top corn customer.
holding a cover crop
By IDOA & Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Pre-enrollment opens Nov. 30 for IDOA’s Fall Covers for Spring Savings program, worth up to $5/acre off 2027 crop insurance premiums.
Josh Linville and Collin Watters
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
What’s really driving your fertilizer bill? StoneX’s Josh Linville breaks down global supply, competition, and the long-term fix on IL Corn TV.
thumbnail of Megan and Jared
By Tara Desmond, Megan Dwyer and Brownfield Ag • October 15, 2026
Illinois Corn and U of I built lease addenda to help farmers and landowners build cover crops, soil health and nutrient goals into rental agreements.
headshot of Jenny Webb IFCA president
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Jenny Webb has spent her career in Illinois agriculture. Now she’s about three months into a new job as president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), the group that represents the ag retailers, applicators and suppliers who get fertilizer and crop protection products to your farm when you need them. Webb came to IFCA from Illinois Farm Bureau. She’s new to the fertilizer and chemical side of the business, but not to farmers or to the policy and regulatory issues that affect them. IL Corn sat down with her to talk about what she’s learned so far, the issues facing Illinois ag retailers, and why the work happening behind the scenes deserves more credit than it gets.
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