Nearly half the products made in starch plants are used for industrial purposes.
A quarter of the products we find on the supermarket shelf contain maize.
Even the cob, without the kernels, can be used.
Everyday Products Containing Maize
Paper and cardboard
Both native and processed starch can be used in the paper industry to provide the internal cohesion of a sheet of paper and make it more resistant. With more and more paper being recycled, there has been an increase in the need to use starch, as the “coating” on paper to conceal any surface flaws also includes starch.
Plastics & Resins
While starch can be turned into a biodegradable plastic, this is not yet widespread because of high manufacturing costs and no doubt the lack of any real political ambition to do so. It can be used as an ingredient in the formula for certain resins, e.g. in the automotive industry.
Glues, Adhesives & Paint
Starch derivatives are used as glues in the manufacture of corrugated cardboard and paper bags and for their adhesive qualities on wallpaper, labels, sticky tape etc. They are commonly used as gelling agents or added to paint as an emulsion stabiliser.
Pharmaceuticals & Health
Starch-based glucose hydrolysates are used in the manufacture of antibiotics, vitamins and a number of vaccines. The pharmaceutical industry often uses starch and starch derivatives in many products, either as a filler, binder or active ingredient; it can be used for encapsulation for controlled release of drugs into the body.
Detergents
Starch-based fermentation by-products are used in certain detergents, such as scale-removing products. Certain biodegradable starch derivatives have replaced phosphates in washing powder, helping reduce eutrophication and improve water quality.
Other Outlets for Corn Starch
The binding properties of starch are used in making foundry moulds and for selective separation of minerals from mined ore. Amylaceous (starchy) products are often used as additives in materials for the building industry.
Even the cob is used
The corncob is the central part of the ear of maize and is used in compost, in various farming substances, to make animal litter, insulation material for both thermal insulation and soundproofing, for polishing metals and for making pipes. The heat generated by combustion makes it an attractive source of energy, e.g. for domestic heating or barbecue fuel.
Biofuels
Maize can be used to manufacture ethanol, a green fuel that helps reduce carbon gas emissions.
Everyday Products Containing Maize
