For decades, zein — a natural protein derived from corn — has captured the attention of scientists and innovators. Its unique combination of biodegradability, non-toxicity, and film-forming properties makes it one of nature’s most promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Yet despite its potential, commercial adoption has remained limited. At BioZein, we are changing that. By scaling zein production to an industrial level, we are unlocking new possibilities across industries, helping manufacturers move beyond traditional plastics toward a more sustainable future.

What is Zein and Why Does It Matter?

Zein is a prolamine protein found in maize (corn), characterized by its hydrophobic, grease-resistant, and film-forming properties. Unlike synthetic polymers, zein is 100% biodegradable and breaks down naturally without releasing harmful microplastics or toxins.
It offers unique advantages:

• Water and grease resistance, ideal for food packaging and coatings
• Biocompatibility, making it perfect for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications
• Thermoplastic behavior, allowing it to be molded, extruded, or sprayed
• Safety certifications including FDA GRAS status, non-GMO sourcing, and allergen-free profiles

However, until now, manufacturers faced two major barriers: limited supply and inconsistent quality. BioZein’s mission is to eliminate these barriers once and for all.

The Historical Challenge: Why Zein Adoption Lagged

Historically, zein was produced in small quantities, primarily for academic research and niche applications. Traditional extraction methods were solvent-heavy, inefficient, and yielded low volumes of usable material.
This led to three main problems:

• High production costs, limiting commercial viability
• Inconsistent purity, leading to variable product performance
• Unreliable supply chains, causing hesitation from large manufacturers

These challenges left zein trapped in a cycle: full of promise, but inaccessible at scale. It became a “future material” that never quite arrived — until now.

BioZein’s Breakthrough: Making Industrial Zein a Reality

At BioZein, we have invested over seven years of research and development into building a new pathway for zein.
Here’s how we’ve changed the game:

• Patented solvent-free extraction technology that guarantees high purity and food-safe standards
• Dedicated production facilities capable of delivering over 150 metric tons annually
• Reliable global logistics, ensuring timely and traceable delivery to manufacturers worldwide
• Application support and scalability, helping businesses integrate zein into their existing production lines

For the first time, industries can trust zein not only for its natural properties but also for its commercial readiness.

Why Manufacturers are Turning to Zein

Industries around the world are seeking alternatives to petroleum-based plastics due to rising environmental regulations, consumer demand for sustainable products, and the need for corporate responsibility.
Zein offers a compelling answer:

• Eco-conscious packaging that naturally decomposes
• Food-safe coatings to extend product shelf life
• Biomedical membranes for wound care and drug delivery
• Plant-based cosmetic ingredients for creams, lotions, and serums
• Agricultural applications for seed coatings and biocompatible carriers

And because BioZein provides industrial-scale supply, manufacturers no longer need to compromise between sustainability and scalability.

Key Benefits of Zein From BioZein

Here’s why manufacturers choose our zein:

• ✅ Biodegradable and Compostable: Breaks down safely without environmental harm
• ✅ Water and Grease Resistant: Natural barrier protection without chemical additives
• ✅ Safe and Non-Toxic: Suitable for food contact, pharma, and skincare
• ✅ Thermoplastic and Versatile: Adaptable to existing production methods
• ✅ Traceable Supply Chain: Non-GMO corn sourced within 50km of our facility
• ✅ Reliable Global Logistics: Delivering when and where it’s needed
• ✅ Competitive Pricing: Thanks to solvent-free, high-yield production

Manufacturers today need more than promises — they need certainty, scalability, and compliance. BioZein delivers on all fronts.

Applications Across Diverse Industries

At BioZein, we support a wide range of industrial sectors:

Packaging

Zein creates oil-resistant films, biodegradable wrappers, and eco layers that meet the demands of modern packaging — especially in food and cosmetics.

Food & Beverage

Protective edible coatings made from zein help preserve freshness, maintain food integrity, and extend shelf life naturally.

Pharmaceuticals

Zein is used in controlled-release coatings, capsule films, and biomedical membranes, providing safe, plant-based solutions for drug delivery.

Cosmetics

Natural, functional binders and film-formers made from zein provide skincare and haircare formulations with plant-based performance.

Agriculture & Agrochemicals

Zein’s properties make it ideal for seed coatings, fertilizer encapsulations, and carrier systems that align with sustainable agriculture practices.

Biomedical

Used for wound dressings, bio-stable membranes, and biomedical devices, zein offers biocompatibility without compromise.

Industrial and Textiles

Zein serves as a binder, coating agent, and bioplastic additive — helping industries reduce dependency on petroleum products while maintaining high performance.

Building a Future Beyond Plastics

Sustainability is not just about marketing — it’s about real transformation at the material level.
With BioZein’s innovations, companies can:

• ✅ Transition existing products to biodegradable solutions
• ✅ Meet and exceed environmental regulations
• ✅ Align with consumer demand for greener, safer alternatives
• ✅ Future-proof their manufacturing and brand reputation

We believe that sustainability should be scalable, reliable, and cost-effective — and that’s exactly what we deliver.

Why Choose BioZein?

At BioZein, we don’t just supply zein — we support your success with:

• Technical guidance on integrating zein into your products
• Flexible logistics to suit your supply chain needs
• Competitive, predictable pricing at industrial volumes
• Sustainable sourcing and traceable quality control

Our mission is clear: to make plant-based polymers practical, scalable, and transformative for every industry we touch.

Ready to Make the Shift?

If your business is looking to move beyond petroleum-based plastics and unlock the potential of sustainable innovation, BioZein is your partner.
Whether you’re in packaging, food production, pharma, cosmetics, or industrial manufacturing, we’re ready to help you scale smarter and greener.

Contact us today for:

• 🌿 Samples to trial in your applications
• 🌿 Technical specifications and customized formulations
• 🌿 Commercial supply partnerships for long-term growth

Join the growing movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future — powered by BioZein.