Have you ever considered what’s in the products we use daily? Or what impact they might have on us and our environment? If so, you’re not alone. U.S. consumers increasingly are asking these questions and signaling their desire for renewable alternatives to harmful chemical compounds. Petroleum and other synthetic materials, including PFAS, are common feedstocks in products we buy every day. These non-renewable resources are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” and can have serious effects on our health and the environment.

In this issue of Illinois Field & Bean, you’ve read that soybeans are an abundant and sustainable alternative to many of these chemicals, offering significant economic, health and safety benefits for all parties involved. Through the Soy Innovation Center (SIC), the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is supporting the research, development and commercialization of sustainable, soy-based products.

Over the last year, the SIC has made several strides in the soy-based product space, including the successful development of a heavy equipment lubricant designed for on-farm use. Building on this momentum, we have evaluated the potential market opportunity and refined our focus to five scalable priority areas: additional biolubricant markets, bioplastics, PFAS alternatives, polymers and fermentation technologies, and biotextiles.

A recent ISA-funded study revealed that the global biolubricant market is projected to grow by nearly $10 billion by 2030, driven by increasing industry adoption. The study also predicts the soy-based biolubricant market will grow by over $100 million by 2030, providing the perfect opportunity for the nation’s No. 1 soybean-producing state.

Traditional plastics have revolutionized daily life but have created significant environmental challenges. Plastic production is estimated to generate around 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, and plastic waste takes centuries to break down in landfills. In contrast, soy-based plastics are renewable and biodegradable. And as the demand for sustainable alternatives continues to grow, it drives increased demand for soybeans.

A 2023 market analysis by the United Soybean Board (USB) identified textiles as a major growth opportunity for soy, outpacing markets such as personal care and home improvement products. Soy-based textiles offer significant benefits, the primary being that they are made from soy protein and leftover hulls from soy oil and food production. This approach minimizes impact on existing food markets and brings soy closer to becoming a zero-waste resource.

Additionally, the SIC is exploring opportunities for soy-based polymers, which have been established as an excellent market for soy. The global market for monomers, which are used to produce a wide range of important polymers, is expected to grow from a value of $38 billion in 2022 to more than $58 billion in 2031. The SIC team is currently working with our partners at Airable Research Labs and the USDA ARS lab in Peoria to develop a process to use soybean meal as a feedstock for polymer production in textiles, plastics, adhesives, coatings, paints and packaging materials.

Illinois soybeans are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable, renewable solutions across various industries. From biolubricants and bioplastics to PFAS alternatives and biotextiles, soy-based innovations are paving the way for a more sustainable future. As ISA and the SIC continue to drive these advancements, we not only create economic opportunities for Illinois farmers but also address pressing environmental challenges. By investing in these scalable markets, we can ensure a brighter, greener future for all.