Solvents

Concerns about the environmental impact of chemical cleaners and strippers has sparked an interest in biobased solvents. Methyl soyate, a methyl ester derived from soybean oil, is the key ingredient or carrier solvent in eco-friendly formulations.

Methyl soyate, or soy methyl ester, is produced by transesterification of soybean oil and methanol with a sodium hydroxide catalyst. It is a safer alternative to chlorinated, petroleum and oxygenated solvents that offers very low flammability, a very high flash point (greater than 360 degrees Fahrenheit), low VOCs levels (<50 g/l), low toxicity and is not listed as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) or ozone-depleting chemical (ODC).

Case studies demonstrate how you can use methyl soyate to make products more sustainable and environmentally friendly, without sacrificing performance or increasing price.