Corn Next Showcased New Material at PACK EXPO
The company introduced its CornNext-17 technology as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Corn Next debuted its CornNext-17 material platform at PACK EXPO International 2026. The technology utilizes corn starch, water, and enzymes to create products like drinking straws, cutlery, and scoops.
Why it matters
This material platform aims to reduce industry reliance on traditional petroleum-based plastics and bioplastic resins. By aligning material life cycles with product life cycles, the company provides a new option for sustainable packaging and manufacturing.
Corn Next straws have been verified by flustix as at least 99.8% plastic-free and certified as 98% biobased by the USDA. The company is demonstrating its extrusion and injection molding capabilities at Booth LL-10414.
The players
Corn Next
This company specializes in the development and commercialization of bio-based material platforms derived from corn starch.
USDA BioPreferred Program
This federal initiative certifies products based on their biobased content to encourage the purchase of renewable materials.
The details
Produced via an enzyme-assisted, solid-state fermentation process, CornNext-17 is designed to function similarly to conventional resins in manufacturing. Corn Next is actively seeking partnerships to integrate this technology into new product lines, including advanced packaging and fiber applications.
Timeline
Corn Next exhibited its technology at the PACK EXPO International 2026 event on September 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
The introduction of CornNext-17 reflects a broader push to displace traditional petroleum-based plastics with enzyme-assisted, bio-based alternatives. This innovation positions the company against established resin suppliers while capitalizing on increasing corporate demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
As Corn Next secures new partnerships, consumers may eventually see these corn-starch-based materials integrated into a wider range of daily items like cutlery and packaging. Shoppers can track the adoption of these products by looking for items verified under the USDA BioPreferred Program.
The takeaway
The move toward bio-based materials like CornNext-17 signals a shift in how household goods are manufactured to minimize long-term environmental impact. Businesses looking to adopt greener supply chains may find this enzyme-assisted technology to be a viable alternative to conventional plastics.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Packaging World.
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Would you choose bio-based alternatives over traditional plastic products for your daily needs?
