New Uses

The use of soybean derivatives in manufacturing isn’t new. In fact, Henry Ford and George Washington Carver shared a vision of using soybeans and other natural derivatives to make plastics, paint, fuel and other products.

Following World War II, petrochemicals replaced soy feedstock in many industrial products, due to their availability and cost. However times, and economics, have changed.

These days, renewable soybean feedstocks are helping manufacturers become less reliant on fluctuating petroleum prices and supplies. Use of soybean ingredients is growing because soybeans are a reliable, sustainable feedstock that is grown in both hemispheres of the world.

Since the mid-1990’s this ongoing research has led to the development and manufacture of more than 800 products that contain soy, including soy-based spray foam insulation; plastic composites for cars, boats and agricultural equipment; paint; ink and wood adhesives used in plywood, hardwood and particleboard.

Soybean meal is also being used as a filler in plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers, resins and adhesives.

You’ll also find soybean feedstock in detergents, candles and personal-care products –and the list of new uses for soy-based components keeps growing.

To learn more about soy products developed with checkoff funding visit: http://unitedsoybean.org/topics/new-uses/