Iowa Corn is a driving force in the advancement of corn-derived products, championing the use of corn far beyond its traditional role as a staple crop for feed and fuel. Recently, Iowa Corn’s strategic efforts have expanded into innovative territory, targeting emerging markets such as corn textiles and biomanufacturing.
Through participation in high-profile industry events, such as the Textile Exchange Conference, support for pioneering ventures like Qore and collaboration with advocacy bodies like the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), Iowa Corn is shaping both commercial and legislative landscapes to grow demand for corn.
INNOVATIVE CORN TEXTILES
According to the Textile Exchange, today 69% of textiles are made from petroleum, and 59% of all textiles are made from a single petroleum-based, synthetic fiber: polyester. Natural fibers, such as cotton, silk and wool, do not dominate the industry with animal fibers making up only 1% and cotton making up 19%.
In 2022, Iowa Corn Promotion Board developed and sold its patents and technology to convert corn sugar into MEG (monoethylene glycol), a key building block for polyester. This innovation helped to grow interest in corn for textile production and expanded Iowa Corn’s involvement with brands and the textile value chain.
Since then, Iowa Corn has been engaged with the Textile Exchange through the Textile Exchange Conference, which brings together brands, farmers, manufacturers and suppliers that focus on sustainable solutions for the textile industry. Iowa Corn has attended three of these global conferences with Stan Nelson, a farmer from Des Moines County, participating in a 2024 panel at the Conference alongside wool and cotton farmers from around the world to discuss the history and future of regenerative corn production in Iowa.
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