Products derived from plant matter are highly biodegradable and in most cases can be disposed of safely and inexpensively, resulting in less downstream pollution. Using products made from grain and not from petroleum assures that we won't run out in the future. New stocks of raw materials can be grown each year. It takes energy from the sun and nutrients from the soil and using a single seed, produces 50-800 more kernels in one season. The more renewable resources we use today, the better off the world will be tomorrow.
Manufacturers can save through dramatic reductions in standard and hazardous waste disposal costs.
Replacing petroleum-based products can avoid costly permits and compliance penalties. The private sector benefits from grain-based products in several ways. These substitutions can be a permanent solution to regulatory problems by replacing chemicals listed on the Environmental Protection Agency s Toxic Release Inventory. The use of plant matter in products stimulates rural economic development. Because plant matter is a bulky material, agricultural crops and residues are most efficiently converted into higher value end-products by nearby processing and manufacturing facilities.