Soy Fibers Represent Versatile Market

“Fiber-based soy chemistry has a future in many market areas,” says Robina Hogan, commercialization manager with OmniTech International and fiber industry technical consultant for the United Soybean Board (USB).

“Nonwovens, such as wipes, diapers, absorbents and medical applications, apparel and packaging materials, are our target markets.”

Manufacturers use soy fiber less widely in clothing, which is mostly imported from overseas.

According to Hogan, funding from USB has supported projects at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, Marvin Technology Associates and the University of Illinois-Chicago.

“The soy protein chemistry that we have been developing is targeted to reduce petrochemical products such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and nylon,” says Hogan. “It will, however, compliment these same products in fabric construction blends along with others such as acetate and cotton.”

USB’s investigation into soy fibers is forward-looking: At present, only preliminary research is being conducted in future uses. The goal is to one day have U.S. soy become a material manufacturers consider when developing fiber products.

“Renewable resources are vital for the future of the world,” says Hogan. “Soy chemistry in fibers and films has an opportunity to reduce the level of petrochemical requirements for industrial uses. In addition, this chemistry can complement other renewable resources such as wood-based cellulose and corn-based polymers.”