Corn Next: Interview with CEO Randy Zhang
Corn Next is a company with a mission to end plastic pollution by creating natural and biodegradable drinking straws. Based in California, Corn Next was founded by lifelong sailor Randy Zhang who has a passion for ocean preservation and saving the creatures that live in the sea. He found a solution in CornNext-17 which is a material that is made only of cornstarch, water, and enzymes; after taking eight years to perfect its development, Randy patented the formula and released drinking straws with other types of cutleries to follow. He recently discussed this invention and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you become interested in technology? Why were you drawn to plastic alternatives, especially straws?
Randy Zhang (RZ): Growing up, I was always fascinated by how innovation could transform everyday life. In the 1990s, I invented a simple steam generator and obtained a utility patent, further fueling my passion for technology. Over the years, this passion evolved, especially toward solving environmental challenges. Plastic pollution, particularly from single-use items like straws, has become a visible and urgent global issue. I felt a deep need to develop a sustainable solution that would make a real difference without sacrificing convenience. Since immigrating to the United States in 2017, I have been dedicated to the research and development of new biodegradable materials.
MM: You were a sailor — how much did this experience influence your understanding of pollution and its impact on the Earth and the creatures we share it with?
RZ: My experience as a sailor profoundly shaped my environmental awareness. As a young sailor at sea, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of pollution — plastic debris floating in once-pristine waters, causing tragic consequences for marine life. These experiences deeply strengthened my commitment to environmental protection and inspired my focus on developing biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics.
MM: How did you discover CornNext-17? When did you realize you could use it to create a plastic alternative?
RZ: The idea for CornNext-17 came from a moment of inspiration sparked by a description of corn in the Bible, which highlighted corn’s value as a renewable and versatile resource. My R&D team and I realized that corn starch, if properly modified using biological enzymes, could become a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. After years of experimentation and refinement, we discovered that this material could not only replace plastic but also biodegrade naturally without harming the environment — this was a true turning point in our journey.
MM: How did you find the team to develop this technology? Why did it take eight years to perfect?
RZ: Developing CornNext-17 required assembling a highly skilled and passionate team of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We collaborated with leading researchers in material science, many of whom are committed to advancing sustainable technologies. It took eight years because creating a truly natural, biodegradable material that matches the functionality of plastic — without synthetic additives — is extremely challenging. Despite the long and difficult road, we remained steadfast in our principles and vision.
MM: When did you decide to start your own company? Why did you name it ‘Corn Next’?
RZ: I realized that the materials we had developed needed a dedicated platform to realize their full potential. I began preliminary research in 2017 and officially established Corn Next in 2020 after achieving success with our second-generation material. The name ‘Corn Next’ reflects both our primary raw material — corn — and our vision for corn’s new role in building the next generation of sustainable environmental solutions. Our mission is to lead the world toward a greener, cleaner future.
MM: How have consumers responded to this invention?
RZ: The response from consumers has been overwhelmingly positive and inspiring. People are increasingly seeking products that align with their environmental values. Many have expressed excitement about having a truly natural and compostable alternative to plastic. They appreciate that CornNext-17 products not only perform effectively but also contribute meaningfully to protecting the environment for future generations.
MM: Besides straws, what other products do you hope to make from this new material?
RZ: In addition to straws, we are actively developing disposable tableware such as spoons, forks, and knives. We are also exploring applications in food packaging and even short fiber materials that could be used for insulation or textile purposes. The potential applications are vast, and we believe CornNext-17 can serve a wide range of industries seeking sustainable alternatives.
MM: How are you raising awareness about this invention? Where are these straws currently being sold?
RZ: We are raising awareness through collaborations with eco-conscious brands, direct outreach to major foodservice companies, and participation in industry exhibitions. Our straws are currently available at select eco-friendly retailers and are being pilot-tested by several large restaurant chains. Of course, the strong support from media organizations like yours plays an essential role in amplifying our message!
MM: What is your ultimate goal for Corn Next? Is there anything else you would like to add?
RZ: Our ultimate goal is to establish CornNext-17 as the global standard for truly sustainable materials. First, we aim to help increase the income of American corn farmers by building factories and creating jobs, offering new markets for American corn worldwide. Second, we aspire to create a future where products made from renewable resources are the norm rather than the exception. I would also like to add that innovation must come from a genuine respect for nature and a commitment to future generations. Through Corn Next-17, we hope to inspire people to believe that positive change is possible — and to be part of that change.