Cosmetics
Agricultural materials such as castor and wheat germ yield ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.  Corncobs, when finely ground, are relatively dust free and very absorbent.  This absorbency makes corncobs useful carriers for cosmetics.

Markers, crayons and paints
Corn oil can be used to make paints and dyes which are more environmentally-friendly than their petroleum-based counterparts.  They are also less toxic and easier to clean up.

Diapers
A new cornstarch product has the ability to absorb up to 300 times its weight in water.  It's used in disposable diapers.

Laundry detergent
Laundry detergents contain phosphates that are a major pollutant of our water.  A citric acid derived from corn replaces the phosphates and increases the cleaning power of the detergent.

Pet litter
Country Fresh™ cat litter is twice as absorbent as clay litters, lasts longer, is flushable, and has outstanding odor control.  It is made from corn harvest residue.
 

Postage stamps
Paper products use raw starch in the manufacturing process for the adhesive property on remoistenable gums for postage stamps and packaging tape.
 

Pharmaceuticals
An oxidized starch paste, which dries to a clear, adherent, continuous film, is spread in a thin layer over Aspirin. Some IVs consist of dextrose and water solutions. The pharmaceutic industry is the single largest user of dextrose - it is the starting point for manufacturing vitamin C and is used in fermentation to produce penicillin and other antibiotics.
 

Shampoo bottles
Plastic bottles are stronger and lighter when made from 15% cornstarch - they also biodegrade 15-25% faster!
 

Soap
Waterless hand cleaners made with corn and cottonseed oil remove grease, ink, paint and grime easily without water.  Replacing petroleum and citrus based products, these are all natural, safer for the environment and healthier for the skin.
 

Previous/Next Article