New Soybean Uses

Soy-Based Building Materials

Soy-based materials are gaining popularity in the construction industry. These are a few new uses for soybeans in building:
  • Adhesives—
    Soy adhesives are used to glue short pieces of wood together to make longer pieces of lumber.
  • Carpet—The backing on carpet and the padding underneath are often made from soy oil.
  • Composites—Wood-like composites made from soy can be used for floors, paneling, tabletops, and more.
  • Insulation—North Plains Insulation has developed a quality board-stock insulation made from soybean polyols.

Soy-Based Candles

When soy candles burn, they don't get as hot as paraffin candles, and their fragrance spreads faster. Soy candles also burn cleaner and don't leave soot like paraffin. If you're interested in buying soy candles, visit these sites:

Soy Crayons

Crayons made from soybean oil have better color and don't rub off like other crayons. These all-natural crayons cost less too. Just one bushel of soybeans can make more than 2,000 crayons! To learn more, click here.

Soy Fiber

A product called SOYSILK, made from the residual compounds of soybeans following tofu manufacturing, is quickly becoming a yarn of choice. It's being used for clothing and for a cuddly new toy called "Tofu Bear."

Soy-Based Furniture & More

Foam made from soy can be used for armrests and chair and sofa cushions. Soy-based products are also used in car and truck seats.

Soy-Based Health & Beauty Products

From hand lotion to hand soap, you can find soy in products you use every day. Soy is not as greasy as other products, and it helps protect your skin from the sun. Plus, soy is used to make shampoo and hair conditioner that provide nutrients to your hair and don't damage it with harmful chemicals.

Soy-Based Lubricants & Hydraulic Fluids

Lubricants made from soy oil protect metal better. And they save money because soy oil doesn't dry out like other oils, which means soy lubricants don't have to be used as often. Soybeans are also used to make oil for hydraulic systems. Soy hydraulic oil is better for the environment and easier to clean up and recycle.

Soy-Based Paints & Coatings

Soybeans are used to make paints and tough coatings for many surfaces. Made from soybean oil, these products are safe for the environment and safe enough for food packages. Plus they're less toxic and cost less than typical paints and coatings.

Soy-Based Pesticides/Herbicides

Soybean oil is being used in bug sprays for orchards and for trees. Sprays made with soy are better for the environment and can be used to help kill weeds.

Soy-Based Plastics

Soy resins are used to make fiberglass, which is being tested to make strong yet lightweight parts for farm equipment, cars, and boats. Soy foams are being used to make insulation and films.

Soy-Based Printing Inks

Soy ink is an environmentally friendly, healthy and safe approach to printing that takes only a small amount of energy to produce. Due to its clarity, soybean oil is actually capable of rendering brighter colors than petroleum-based and other vegetable oil-based inks. Soy ink also aids in the paper recycling process because it is easier to remove in the de-inking process, which results in less damage to paper fibers.

Soy-Based Road Materials

Roads made of cement can be very dusty. A product called "soapstock," made from soybean parts, forms an environmentally safe coating that protects roads and helps control dust on gravel roads.

Soy Solvents

These solvents remove grease, paint, oil, and stains without harming materials, and unlike other solvents, they can be cleaned with water, making them better for the environment.

Soy Toner

Soybean oil is being used to develop toner for use in laser printers, copiers, and fax machines. Paper printed with soy toner is easier to recycle and comes out cleaner and brighter.

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