In case you missed the latest information from the United Soybean Council (USB, www.soynews.com) here is how some companies are finding alternatives to high-priced petroleum products.
Ford expands soy foam into more vehicles: The inclusion of soy foam seating in the 2008 Mustang came as a result of Ford's partnership with USB and soybean checkoff. Now that this technology has been shown to be aviable option, Ford announced that it will be expanding the use of soy foam into other vehicle lines, including the F-150, Expedition and Navigator. The resulting effect on the environment from Ford's use of soy over petroleum is an expected carbon dioxide reduction of 605,000 pounds annually as well as cost savings.
Twenty-six New Soy Products Hit the Market: USB continuesto fund companies with innovations for new soy products, as well as companiesincorporating soy into existing products. In 2007, 26 new soy-based productssaw commercialization thanks in part to funding from the checkoff. The newproducts include such things as a methyl-soyate-based coatings additive. Otherproducts commercialized are a new soy-oil based additive for adhesives, animproved soy-based hybrid ink for sheet-fed printers and soy-foam technologyfor use in the furniture industry.
Soy-based foam used for Habitat for Humanity: U.S. soybeans are helping keep houses warm this winter through soy-based insulation, biobased 501, made by Biobased Insulation. This residential and commercial soy-foam insulation is currently being tested at a home designed by Habitat for Humanity. This soy insulation is an open cell insulation that can be applied to the walls and attics of homes and can help homeowners save energy. The insulation can be spray-applied by certified dealers trained in the application. It has been shown to reduce air leakage and fill in cracks and crevices, allowing for better indoor air quality than traditional insulation.
Fuel additive has added benefits: Crops are becoming an important source of alternative fuel, and now a new technology has added soybeans to fuel additives as well. Diesel fuel additives can increase the life of fuel pumps and injectors by increasing lubricity. USB is supportive of efforts to incorporate soy into products. Bio FHD-30, an additive from Terresolve Technologies, improves the performance of diesel engines whether they use diesel or biodiesel fuel. Specifically, it increases energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption; it also helps to control diesel engine emissions by increasing the fuel's cetane number and enhancing fuel burnability according to Terresolve.
