In an era where sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the forefront of global discussions, soy-based solutions have emerged as a powerful and eco-friendly alternative to traditional products. As the world seeks innovative ways to reduce environmental impact, soy is proving to be a game-changer, offering a renewable, biodegradable and nontoxic alternative to harmful chemicals.

Although soy is often thought of primarily as a food ingredient or as a substitute for meat and dairy, its applications now extend far beyond the kitchen. From industrial uses to innovative consumer products, soy-based materials are driving sustainable advancements across industries, proving its versatility as a key component in building a greener, more sustainable future.

ISA’s Role in Leading Soy’s Revolution

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is supporting soy’s revolution in several ways, including championing the adoption of soy-based solutions through the It’s Sustainably Soy certification program. This initiative is just one of the ways ISA is amplifying soy’s impact, ensuring it becomes a vital part of the global sustainability narrative.

Background: Bridging the Gap in Sustainability

Despite the availability of various sustainability certifications, the soy industry faced challenges in creating a clear, unified and consumer-friendly program that could bring together environmental, social and economic sustainability into one cohesive standard. Recognizing this gap, ISA’s Market Development Team collaborated to create a comprehensive framework that addresses these needs. The result was the It’s Sustainably Soy certification program.

This program goes beyond farming practices to include the entire soy supply chain, from cultivation and processing to packaging and distribution. By providing a clear standard, it helps companies and consumers make informed choices, fostering greater trust in soy-based products.

What began as an idea to acknowledge organizations incorporating soy-based products into their daily operations has evolved into a far-reaching initiative with a much broader impact. Today, the program not only recognizes organizations that actively use soy-based products but also highlights the companies and manufacturers who produce and market these innovative solutions. By expanding its focus, the program fosters collaboration across the entire soy value chain, driving awareness, adoption and innovation in sustainable soy-based products.

ISA’s Sustainably Certified Companies and Products

Since its launch alongside the Soy Innovation Center in March 2024, ISA’s It’s Sustainably Soy certification program has made remarkable progress, certifying 13 companies and more than 60 products to date. These certified products span a wide range of industries and applications, showcasing the incredible versatility of soy. The program has certified everyday consumer items like candles, lip balms, hand lotions and nail polish as well as industrial solutions such as lumber, engine oils, greases, and graffiti or adhesive removers. It’s Sustainably Soy highlights soy’s potential to transform virtually any market or industry.

Why Choose Soy?

With numerous alternative raw ingredients available, many may wonder: Why soy? The answer lies in its sustainability and versatility. Soy-based products are rooted in environmentally friendly farming practices. Unlike petroleum- or mineral-based inputs, soy crops are renewable, abundant and return each season without depleting natural resources.

Using soy-based and other biobased inputs in products helps support the agricultural economy in Illinois and nationwide. When companies and organizations make the switch to soy- and biobased inputs, they’re not just supporting the environment, they’re supporting the hardworking farmers and farming families across Illinois.

Looking to the Future

As research and innovation continue to push the boundaries of what soy can achieve, the potential applications for this versatile crop are endless. Because soy can be used in bioplastics, textiles, biolubricants, medicines, renewable energy sources and more, the crop is poised to redefine sustainability in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

This shift is not just about individual choices; it’s about a collective movement toward environmentally responsible industries, sustainable farming practices and cleaner, healthier living. As more companies and consumers embrace soy, eco-friendly solutions will increasingly become the norm rather than the exception.

Through initiatives such as It’s Sustainably Soy, ISA is leading the charge, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can unlock soy’s full potential. As we continue to explore new uses and applications, it’s clear that the future of sustainability is rich with possibilities.

Interested in joining our more than 60 It’s Sustainably Soy Certified products and projects? Apply for certification today at www.ilsoy.org/its-sustainably-soy-application/. Have questions about what it takes to become certified? Contact me at jaidyn.miller@ilsoy.org.