Increasing global volatility makes diversification of U.S. goods and products more important than ever. Researchers are exploring new ways to grow soybean markets, and creating new uses for soybeans and soy byproducts.

The United Soybean Board says that the increased demand for renewable and sustainable materials make soybeans ideal for non-food uses. Results of an over 20-year effort from the soy checkoff can be seen with the extensive amount of new and innovative soybean applications available today.

Three primary categories for these non-food uses are coatings, adhesives and fiber.

Soy-based dust suppressants, such as the one used on the grounds at Husker Harvest Days, fall into the coating category. One specific product, EPIC EL, provides the benefits of keeping dust particles out of the air while stabilizing the integrity of gravel roads.

Soy-based adhesives replace harmful chemicals in binding agents such as formaldehyde, and research is underway in the opportunities for soybeans in products such as insulation. Other soy-based adhesives include concrete sealer, which is used to create a water-resistant barrier that protects against corrosion.

Fiber uses for soy products might be more common than you think, as it includes carpeting, carpet-backing systems and soy silk. Soy silk is created using the fibers left over from tofu manufacturing, and is just another way to use byproducts.

Versatile components

With soybean’s versatile chemical composition, a new surge of soy technology is being created to utilize all it has to offer. The molecular structure and suitable fatty-acid profile of soybean oil makes it the most versatile of all natural oils.

This versatile oil finds its way into products ranging from shoes, to paint, to tires.

The United Soybean Board says the most well-known non-food use for soybean is seen in car tires. Because of checkoff-funded research, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. introduced a line of tires starting in 2021. A commitment from Goodyear to replace petroleum-derived oils in its products by 2040 helps drive demand for soybean products.

Soybean oil also finds use in thermoplastics, a combination of soy oil, polyethylene and polypropylene resins. The soybean oil acts as a cost-effective heat stabilizer and co-plasticizer in these products, allowing companies to replace petrochemicals and additives in plastic products.

Looking ahead

With all of the research, products and new uses for soybean oil, the future for soy-based advances is bright. Benefits of using soybean materials in products includes price advantages, corporate and environmental sustainability, and an abundant supply.

Soybeans are renewable and in abundant supply, as soybean yields increase year after year. Advances in the agriculture industry continue to ensure the rate of soybean production growth is sustainable for the future. The United Soybean Board says that with soybean production exceeding 4.3 billion bushels, an abundant supply allows manufacturers to consider using more soy in their supply chain.

The United Soybean Board contributed to this article.