At a time when competitiveness weighs heavy on the minds of soybean farmers, the United Soybean Board, New Uses Committee (NUC) and the soybean checkoff are working to find new markets for soybeans through several innovative soy-based developments. Eighteen new soy-based products have been developed with NUC funding for use in plastics, solvents, inks and coatings, and specialty products.

"As the global market becomes more competitive, it's crucial that we continue to research innovative new uses for U.S. soybeans," said Eric Niemann, chair of USB's New Uses Committee and soybean farmer from Nortonville, Kan. "I am optimistic that our new soy-based developments will be important in maintaining a competitive edge over foreign competitors."      

Many promising new products are emerging from soy plastics and soy polyols research. HON Industries introduced its latest development of a SoyOyl-based polyurethane foam, used for furniture and seating applications. Urethane Soy Systems Company (USSC)/Bayer introduced SoyOyl/Bayder730S(tm), a polyurethane resin used in agricultural equipment body panels. BioBased Systems created Biobase 501(tm) and BioPolymers launched Healthyseal 500(tm), which are soy-oil-based polyurethane spray foams used to insulate homes.

Several companies have stepped to the forefront of engineered soy-based products. The Stepan Company formulated Steposol SC(tm), a methyl soyate/ethyl lactate co-solvent blend, and Steposol SB-W(tm), which is pure methyl soyate. The Steposol line displays it's versatility through its use in lubricants, solvents, degreasers and other applications. Desilube unveiled Desigreen 100(tm), a water-dilutable soy-oil ingredient that is a durable lubricant and contains no mineral oil, providing safe working conditions. 

Niemann & Associates produced Green Grip(tm), a soy-based coating used on roofs. It deflects ultraviolet rays, resulting in the reduction of energy needed to cool buildings. Green Grip(tm) is low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Florida Chemical rolled out Citrus Burst(tm), Citrusoy High Flash(tm) and Citrusoy Super High Flash(tm), which are all used in formulating hand cleaners, adhesive removers and parts cleaners. Diversified Chemical Technologies developed Natrusol 1000(tm), a co-solvent blend also used in parts cleaning.      

Other notable innovations include Aqueous Cleaning Technologies'Aggre-Solv(tm), which is a soy-based asphalt de-bonding product; Franmar's Bean-e-Doo Dust Mop Treatment(tm), a soy-based mop cleaning solvent; React Inc.'s Enviropure 300(tm), a soy emollient; Gemtek Product's SC-1000(tm), a soy-based liquid cleaner; Soy Technologies' Soygreen Polystrip(tm), a methyl soyate paint stripper; and Vertec Gold(tm) inspired new ink cleaners that are marketed under a private label by a variety of manufacturers.

The New Uses Committee continues to be dedicated to funding the research and development of innovative soy-based products. Through checkoff-funded research, high-quality soy-based products fuel the demand for U.S. soybeans each year.  

USB is made up of 62 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

For more information on these and other products or for company contact information, please visit the Soy Products Guide at www.unitedsoybean.org/newuses.