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.
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.
Check out our new video!
Learn about soybean farming, the Ohio Soybean Council, and Airable Research Lab’s role in supporting both
FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES
Scale Inhibitor
Airable partnered with LFS Chemistry to develop a soy-based scale-inhibiting additive that prevents the buildup of calcium scale in water systems, with specific applications in the oil and gas industry.
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.
Light Curable Coatings™
We supported the development of a UV-cured, high-performance, bio-preferred floor coating with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The clean, green soy-acrylate-based product delivers exceptionally low cure times and meets or exceeds industry targets for appearance, hardness, adhesion, solvent resistance, and application temperature. Light Curable Coatings was honored with two 2018 R&D 100 Awards, including a Special Recognition for Green Technology.
Roof Maxx™
A USDA Certified Biobased Product, Roof Maxx is an earth-friendly, effective, and affordable alternative to roof replacement or the application of traditional roof sealants. The product uses Soy-Fusion Technology to extend the life of roofing shingles, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources—for a cost significantly lower than roof replacement. Roof Maxx received fourth place in the “Bio-Based Material of the Year 2018” Innovation Awards.
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.
DeWalt Bar & Chain Oil
Airable worked with Stanley Black & Decker to develop the soy-based DeWalt Bar & Chain Oil. It’s the first bar and chain oil in North America to hold a USDA certified mark and is certified ultimate biodegradable. The product has been independently tested and shown to outperform petroleum.
Barry McGraw
Founder & CLO
CONTACT US
We would love to talk with you about your soy-based product needs or answer any questions you may have.