Corn Refiners Association – Innovating the Kernel

Innovating the Kernel

Corn is a versatile resource that can be used for just about everything – from making our food taste better and our cosmetics last longer, to making our plastics more environmentally friendly
and our medicines easier to swallow.

About Policy Products News Economic Impact Trade Update Resources Social Responsibility Kernel of Innovation

Did You Know That Corn Is in Fireworks ?

Fireworks use cornstarch to increase their burn time and to give them their explosive quality.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Crayons ?

Cornstarch is used to bind the ingredients in crayons, and the adhesive dextrin, a type of cornstarch, is used to attach their labels.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Shampoos and Conditioners ?

Cornstarch helps to strengthen hair, while corn oil acts as a conditioner. Xanthan gum, made from corn bioprocessing, is a stabilizer and thickener.

Did You Know That Corn Is in 3D Printing ?

As this new technology evolves, scientists are testing a wide range of injectable polymers, many of which contain cornstarch.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Cosmetics ?

Cornstarch is found in body powders, skin care, lipsticks, and eye and facial makeup. Corn oil can be found in skin care products. Xanthan gum is a makeup stabilizer & thickener.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Tires ?

Rubber made from bioprocessed cornstarch reduces rolling resistance and weight for better fuel economy and better traction.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Frozen Pizza ?

Modified cornstarch prevents soggy pizza crust by keeping the moisture in the sauce, where it belongs.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Matches ?

Cornstarch is used in match heads as a binder and to aid ignition. Paper match-sticks often include cornstarch to increase their rigidity.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Laundry Detergent ?

Cornstarch brightens fabric & removes dirt during the washing process. Citric acid, a corn product made through bioprocessing, increases the cleaning power & helps soften water.

Did You Know That Corn Is in Diapers ?

Starch-based materials provide a super-absorbent core for diapers, while PLA, a biodegradable material made from corn bioprocessing, can replace petroleum plastics & outer covers.

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Economic Impact

The Corn Refining Industry supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs, drives economic growth, and increases global competitiveness. Learn more about the impact of the corn refining industry:

2025 Economic Impact

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Advanced Bioproducts / Farm Bill Priorities

The Farm Bill presents an opportunity to advance a number of policy objectives to support growth of the bioproducts industry.

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Trade

International trade supports millions of American jobs, drives economic growth, and increases global competitiveness.

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Food & Nutrition

We strongly support policies that empower consumers to make healthy purchasing decisions, while preventing misunderstanding and confusion.

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Environmental Affairs

CRA advocates for a healthy and prosperous environment that preserves America’s ability to innovate and promote economic growth.

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Corn Refiners Urge Resolution of European Union Trade Dispute

March 20, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement on the European Union’s troubling…

Ninth Annual “Feeding the Economy” Report Demonstrates Immense Impact of the American Food and Agriculture Industry Amidst Economic Challenges

American agriculture contributes $9.5 trillion in economic value and 1 million jobs to national economy March 18, 2025 Washington, D.C.–Today…

CRA Newsletter | February 28, 2025

During Black History Month, we recognize the Black leaders, innovators, and communities who have helped advance the corn refining industry. Our monthly…

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Innovating the Kernel

Did You Know That Corn Is in Fireworks ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Crayons ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Shampoos and Conditioners ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in 3D Printing ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Cosmetics ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Tires ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Frozen Pizza ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Matches ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Laundry Detergent ?

Did You Know That Corn Is in Diapers ?

Economic Impact

Policy All Policy All

Advanced Bioproducts / Farm Bill Priorities

Trade

Food & Nutrition

Environmental Affairs

News All News All

Corn Refiners Urge Resolution of European Union Trade Dispute

Ninth Annual “Feeding the Economy” Report Demonstrates Immense Impact of the American Food and Agriculture Industry Amidst Economic Challenges

CRA Newsletter | February 28, 2025