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Corn to be Used For Material, 'Ingeo'

An apparel firm based in Indianapolis called Engro LLC has created new apparel that is made of corn. The new fiber is called Ingeo and is made of one of the biggest resources in America. The name Ingeo means “ingredients from the earth,” and reduces fossil fuel usage when used to create performance apparel. The fiber is created from a hundred percent renewable resource and this fiber will help everyone including farmers and consumers. The corn-based apparel will be shown at the Promotional Products Association (PPAI) International trade show, which will be held in Las Vegas from January the second to the sixth. This type of apparel is great for travelers and people with an active lifestyle as the material can be washed in cold water, and will dry quickly, without the use of a dryer. The material can be used for a variety of uses such as pillows, polo shirts and sleeping bags to packaging and carpeting.

Ingeo material is stronger than most other fibers and is easier to keep maintained than silk or wool. The material cannot fade, wrinkle, absorb odors and is hypoallergenic. This product is also biodegradable. The fiber is produced by extracting sugar from the corn kernel, then fermenting the sugar into a high performance polymer and then the Ingeo fiber is extracted. The remnants such as the proteins, oils and fibers of the corn kernel can be used for livestock feed. Engro's CEO, Larry Grider says, "We are really looking forward to working with entities on national and global levels.” The company's philosophy is “improving our world, one garment at a time.” The corn fiber production requires sixty-eight per cent less energy than for synthetics. It also generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than other materials.