Corn Next has developed a next-gen eco-friendly drinking straw that’s plastic-free, non-toxic, and made from U.S.-grown corn. The 100% natural solution are made with corn starch and enzymes and should be used with caution by those allergic to corn ingredients.

Their patented CornNext-17 material looks and feels like plastic but breaks down naturally, leaving no microplastics behind.

Made with food-based ingredients derived from natural origins, Corn Next products make a positive impact with sip. With a mission to combat plastic wastes and preserve our planet. Corn Next offers a guilt-free natural alternative to plastic products that decomposes completely in any environment--soil, water and even your own backyard.

Corn Next has launched CornNext-17, a biobased material aimed at addressing the issue of plastic pollution.

Drawn from renewable corn starch, CornNext-17 leverages a patented fermentation process and has rapid decomposition capabilities.

According to the company, CornNext-17 serves as a sustainable solution that retains the natural polysaccharide structure of corn starch, allowing for complete biodegradation within 30 days in natural settings.

The company also claimed that its material maintains the necessary mechanical properties for a broad spectrum of uses, from packaging to consumer goods and industrial components.

CornNext-17 serves as an alternative to conventional plastics and bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).

The product comes with the potential to ‘transform’ various industries, encouraging them to shift towards more sustainable materials.

The CornNext-17 White Paper, released alongside the product launch, provides an in-depth look at the material’s characteristics.

Biotech company Corn Next has released CornNext-17, a corn starch-based material made through a natural fermentation process. It can be used to make biodegradable packaging such as straws, table ware and single-use food containers.

The biobased material is USDA and BPI certified and breaks down in 30 days in natural environments without the need for additional equipment, said David Xu, the company’s fractional CFO. It does not contain PFAS and “can even be eaten by birds. And if it’s mingled with water, it can be used as a food for fish,” he said.

The company plans to move its home base and operations to Decatur, Illinois, this year. Corn Next first launched in China and its operations are still there, but its holding company is currently based in Irvine, California.

In California, Corn Next, a company developing biobased materials based on corn starch, has launched a plastics alternative that fully biodegrades in 30 days.

Dubbed CornNext-18, the material’s mechanical properties make it suitable for several applications, including consumer goods, packaging, agriculture, medical supplies, automotive, and electronics.

“CornNext-17 represents a significant leap forward in sustainable materials,” Randy Yongzhong Zhang, Founder and CEO of Corn Next, said in a press statement. “We are proud to offer a solution that addresses the urgent need for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. This innovation marks a critical milestone in our pursuit of a greener future.”

The company is actively seeking partnerships with industry leaders and organizations to accelerate the material’s adoption.

Corn Next, a leader in sustainable innovation and biodegradable solutions, has officially launched CornNext-17, a game-changing bio-based material designed to combat the global plastic pollution crisis. 

Derived from renewable corn starch, CornNext-17 utilizes a patented fermentation-based process to create a fully biodegradable material with superior versatility and performance. Unlike traditional plastics and bio-plastics such as PLA and PHA, CornNext-17 retains its natural polysaccharide structure, enabling rapid decomposition within 30 days in natural environments while maintaining the mechanical properties necessary for diverse applications.

CornNext-17: Innovative Solution to Plastic Pollution

Corn Next has officially introduced CornNext-17, a pioneering bio-based material aimed at tackling the rampant plastic pollution issue. This revolutionary product not only serves practical purposes but also aligns with global sustainability efforts, positioning itself as a viable alternative to conventional plastics.

Features of CornNext-17

CornNext-17 is derived from renewable corn starch and employs a unique fermentation-based process for creation. This innovation results in a fully biodegradable material that decomposes rapidly in natural environments, leaving no harmful residues behind.

Remarkable Properties

Unlike traditional plastics and certain bio-plastics such as PLA and PHA, CornNext-17 maintains its natural polysaccharide structure. This characteristic ensures its rapid decomposition, typically within 30 days, without compromising essential mechanical properties that make it suitable for a variety of applications.

RVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Corn Next, a leader in sustainable innovation and biodegradable solutions, has officially launched CornNext-17, a game-changing bio-based material designed to combat the global plastic pollution crisis. Accompanying this launch is the release of the CornNext-17 White Paper, a detailed report that highlights the revolutionary features of CornNext-17, its potential to replace traditional plastics, and its critical role in supporting global sustainability initiatives.