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Plastic Made From Corn

Posted by michael on from the partially-hydrogenated dept.

Dekaner writes "A major supplier of plastic products in the U.S. will soon open a new factory that makes products from corn. The Cargill Dow factory in Blair, Nebraska will convert corn into a biodegradable substance called NatureWorks PLA. It will be used to make soft-drink cups, salad containers and to fill pillows and comforters. The corn-derived polymer will compete directly with products made from petroleum."

3 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Good by Deanasc · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Because what we need in this country is to practice more monoculture with corn.

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    I've hit Karma 50 and gotten a Score:5, Troll... I win!
  2. Marketing genius by LordNimon · · Score: 3, Insightful
    "Would you rather buy a product made from corn from the Midwest or petroleum from the Middle East?"

    Damn, what a sound bite! He's 100% correct, of course, but it's still amazing what one sentence can do to sway the hearts of people. His timing couldn't be better. I'm feeling patriotic already! Too bad I can't digest corn, or I'd have some tonight.

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    And the men who hold high places must be the ones who start
    To mold a new reality... closer to the heart
  3. An extra economic benefit by eugene+ts+wong · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Another economic benefit that people may not think about is that grocery stores can throw packaged foods into the compost. At this point in time, they seem to only be able to throw away unpackaged fruits and vegetables. In other words, they aren't going to unpackage something to compost it.

    This will provide more compost which could mean richer soils and better crops.

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    testing out my trending skills