Grainnet

Bloomington, IL—For many years, the soybean has been considered environmentally friendly due to its sustainability, but its already-green list of uses has grown even longer.

Now, the “miracle bean” is being touted as a resource for a variety of earth-friendly products, including couch cushions, mattresses and building insulation.

“Many people have no idea how many things can be made of soy,” Ron Moore, board chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), said.

“Yes, soybeans are a wonderful source of protein and help to feed many who are poverty-stricken around the world.

"They are also used to make alternative fuel and items such as soy candle and crayons, but now an even greener side to soy is being discovered, with more uses being developed all the time.

"Most recently, soy foam and soy insulation have made the news. Ford Motor Company even announced it will be using soy foam in seat cushions and seatbacks.”

The Green Benefits

Just like soy biodiesel, soy foam also helps to reduce annual petroleum oil usage.

Even better, it is a renewable resource that helps support our economy and local farmers.

Plus, soy does not contribute to air pollution, which makes it ideal for those who might have chemical sensitivities or allergies.

In fact, soy products contain no urea or formaldehyde and do not release volatile chemicals or toxic emissions.

These earth-friendly benefits contribute to the reasons why soy-based construction materials are being used in many commercial and residential constructions today.

Examples include: soy roof coatings used in the renovation of the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL; soy elevator grease used in the Statue of Liberty in New York City; and a soy biobased green roof system installed in one of the Government Printing Office buildings in Washington, D.C.

Many other buildings at the state, county and federal level also use soy-based materials as a result of the USDA’s BioPreferred program.

Officials indicate these products are helping to save thousands of dollars in heating/cooling costs and reducing the carbon footprint of these materials.

“Soy-based building materials have been a hit with the construction industry,” Moore continued.

“You can find soy-based adhesives, backing on carpet and padding, and soy insulation. Soy composites are even used for floors, paneling and tabletops. Simply put, soybeans are extremely versatile.”

New Opportunities

While the majority of soybean demand currently comes from export markets, domestic animal agriculture and soy biodiesel, new soybean uses are continually growing.

Funded by the soybean checkoff, researchers and manufacturers are looking for new ways to incorporate soy – without taking from the soybean’s potential for food. Since each 60-pound bushel of soybeans yields 48 pounds of protein-rich meal and 11 pounds of oil, soy has the opportunity to provide many new uses in the future.

Whether it is used in beauty products, pesticides, or lubricants, soy is becoming a more common ingredient every day… and it promises to have an expanded role in the future.

For more information on soy-based products and new uses, check www.ilsoy.org or call the Illinois Soybean Association at 309-663-7692.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• ISA

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