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Minnesota Corn Growers invest in corn-based plastics research

The Minnesota Corn Growers is investing in the potential of corn-based plastics.

MCGA president Brian Thalmann says the Association is giving more than $460,000 dollars to the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Polymers.

“We are continually looking for new and improved uses for corn, and the plastics industry is a huge potential market for replacing petroleum-based products currently with a renewable product made from corn or other renewables.”

Moving forward, he tells Brownfield he hopes the investment spurs additional research which would turn into new product ideas.

“Grocery bags will last for decades. We can now develop a renewable-based bag that can actually be stronger and more durable than what’s currently in use, but it will break down in a matter of weeks or months in a landfill.”

Corn-based plastics are being used today, but Thalmann says there are certain limitations that more research could help alleviate.