Corn Next

Corn Next is a materials company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with a research and development base in Nanchang, China. We develop corn-starch-based materials to replace conventional plastics in selected short-life products and packaging applications.

Our technology uses only corn starch, water, and enzymes. Through proprietary enzymatic treatment and solid-state fermentation, we prepare materials for extrusion, molding, and fiber applications.

Our Cornnext-17 range includes:
• Cornnext-17 A — for extrusion applications, including straws.
• Cornnext-17 B — for molding applications, including cutlery, spoons, and scoops.
• Cornnext-17 C — for short-fiber development and potential nonwoven applications.

We are also exploring starch-based particles, natural-fiber composites, papermaking additives, surface treatments, and secondary medical packaging.

End of life is central to our material development. Corn Next reports degradation in approximately 30 days under the natural environmental conditions evaluated by our team. Actual timing depends on product thickness, temperature, moisture, and microbial activity. Independent testing is being pursued to quantify biodegradation and distinguish physical breakdown from biological conversion. Disposal recommendations will depend on verified test results and local waste-management requirements.

Corn Next holds flustix LESS PLASTICS certification indicating a minimum of 99.8% plastic-free content within its certification scope. We are evaluating additional certification pathways, including BPI commercial compostability certification, TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME programs, and applicable food-contact compliance assessments.

Our planned U.S. manufacturing project has received Phase 1 approval under the USDA Section 9003 Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. This represents progress toward potential loan-guarantee support; it does not mean funding has been awarded or disbursed.

We welcome manufacturers, packaging companies, brands, distributors, research institutions, and testing organizations interested in sample evaluation, application development, international distribution, and joint research.