Corn Clothes: The New Fashion

Filed in archive Food and Agriculture on April 25, 2006

Yes, you've read it right, clothes made from materials derived from corn, specifically the kernels.

This week, Ford fashion models strut down a catwalk in dresses by designers like Oscar de la Renta made of fabric produced from corn kernels called ingeo, at the Biotechnology Industry Organization Convention in Chicago.

Ingeo is a material that is thin and comfortable and doesn't stretch or rip according to top designer. Most especially, the material is best for usage because it is sustainable: made for renewable crop, corn; unlike nylon and polyesters which are oil-derived synthetic materials.

There are downsides, however. The fabric is machine-washable but can melt if ironed; it costs a bit more than cotton or polyester. Still, corn-derived materials are versatile. Among other uses, they can be made into beer cups, as they are for Minnesota T-Wolves games. If you're tempted to nibble, though, get a Brat.

Corn clothes, anyone?

Source: MSNBC

About the author: Gloria is a chemist and blogs at Straight From The Doc,The Pharm Voice, and Filipina Soul