Bioplastics are plastics which are created from plant material. Biodegradable plastics can be broken down by microorganisms and eventually fully decompose into water and carbon dioxide, making them friendly to people and the environment. Japan Corn Starch has succeeded in developing a biodegradable plastic made primarily from corn starch, marketed under the brand name "Corn pole". Corn pole is used for a wide range of applications, for example a material for ballpoint pens, agricultural mulching films, and paints.