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Most homes have plastic mugs of some kind, and while the regular polycarbonate mug is probably the most popular type that is bought, there is an alternative plastic mug that is not made from petroleum products; the corn mug.
Invented quite a few years back in the US, plastic made from corn kernels (commonly referred to as PLA, or polylactic acid) has become increasingly more popular in more recent years, especially as the substance itself has been improved upon. It is a particular favourite amongst those who are concerned about the impact that plastic production, with its use of petroleum products, and the degradability of most common plastics has on the environment.
Corn mugs these days are microwave safe, non toxic and strong enough that it can be reused many times over. At the same time, if it is processed by a composting facility it can break down in as little as 75 to 90 days. Unfortunately it does not readily break down in regular home compost heaps however, which has raised some controversy and concerns regarding its claims.
In spite of the fact that the biodegradability of the product is somewhat in question, it is still highly beneficial in that it is made from non petroleum products. As such it is touted as being the new non-petroleum plastic. It also produces less toxic waste during production; another plus in its favour.
These types of coffee mugs are readily available from online vendors. They look much the same as regular plastic coffee mugs and they are available in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors. They can be ordered in bulk and are also customizable, making them suitable for gifts or for promotional purposes. The great thing about these mugs is that they are also fairly competitively priced. Nowadays oftentimes you will find that you are paying much more for an "environmentally friendly" item than you would with a regular similar item purely because it is green. However, this does not appear to be the case with these mugs.
It remains to be seen how well these sell over the long term, however for now they are certainly gaining in popularity amongst users from all walks of life. While there are still some issues regarding the disposal of these mugs overall they are receiving fairly positive acclaim from many quarters. Only time will tell whether or not corn plastic is really the solution to the imminent plastic shortage that may be facing us in years to come.
About this Author
Robyn L. Wescombe currently resides in Taiwan with her husband and two children. She loves Chinese teas and is fascinated with the concept of the "Cha Dao" or "the way of tea". Currently she is researching and writing about beverage accessories, including the tea chest, and the plastic beer mug.
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