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.

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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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