A SUSTAINABLE

FUTURE TOGETHER

Mention soybeans, and most people think of commodities: cooking oil, soy milk, tofu. But these versatile legumes play a much larger—and growing—role in a green economy. Soy-based alternatives to existing products and processes can provide significant advantages in terms of cost, function, and sustainability.

Airable Research Lab has been at the forefront of soy-based research and development for over 20 years. We partner with companies to explore ideas for using soybeans to upgrade a product—or better yet, invent something entirely new! Through every commercial development stage, Airable Research Lab works hand in hand with our partners, developing solutions tailored to client needs.

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Where Sustainable Solutions Start

Airable Research Lab leverages decades of experience and knowledge in the soybean industry to create innovative and sustainable solutions in research and product development through bio-based chemistry.

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Learn about soybean farming, the Ohio Soybean Council, and Airable Research Lab’s role in supporting both

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FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

Soy-Based Polyol

This bio-based technology replaces oil-based polyols used to produce adhesives, both rigid and flexible foams, and polyurethane coatings. The polyol can be used in a range of products—from furniture to vehicles to paints—at a similar price point to fossil-fuel-based solutions. Product performance, too, is superior, while the final product’s environmental footprint is reduced. Airable Research Lab teamed with Battelle Memorial Institute to develop the soy-based polyol, which received a 2007 R&D 100 Award, and ultimately licensed the technology to Emery Oleochemicals.

Soybean-Hull-Reinforced Polymers

One of the most commonly used polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) benefits from the use of sustainable additives. Torrefied soybean hulls can serve as a cost-efficient feedstock for increasing HDPE’s toughness and biodegradability.

Soy-Based Plasticizer

Airable Research Lab partnered with Battelle Memorial Institute to develop a bio-based alternative to materials traditionally derived from petroleum-based feedstocks. The soy-based additive provides the final products with flexibility and durability comparable to those that use phthalate esters—but with a path to sustainability. The soy-based plasticizer, which was licensed to PolyOne™ and branded reFlex™, has been used in a range of products—most recently Okabashi flip-flops.

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CONTACT US

We would love to talk with you about your soy-based product needs or answer any questions you may have.