‘It’s Sustainably Soy’ certification program launched

The usefulness of soybeans beyond food has been known for decades. In the 1930s, industrialist Henry Ford worked to develop and promote soybeans for a wide range of uses, including soy-based oils and plastics to be used for his Ford cars. In 1941, Ford made a car with a body made of soy-based plastics.

Now, there is a renewed drive to develop soy-based products that are sustainable, economically-viable and quite literally homegrown. The use of modern soy products yields both environmental and economic benefits.

That’s why the Illinois Soybean Association is pleased to launch its new “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program. The goal of the program is to recognize organizations, construction firms and executives for switching to soy in their construction and building projects.

There are many reasons why soybeans are considered a more environmentally-friendly option for construction materials.

Soybeans are a renewable resource, meaning they are grown and harvested annually. Nonrenewable resources, like petroleum and mineral-based products, cannot be replaced each planting season.

The production of soybeans is also lower in greenhouse gas emissions than traditional construction materials when sustainable farming practices are implemented.

Soy-based products can also be biodegradable, meaning they will naturally break down without causing long-term pollution or contributing to landfill waste.

The use of soy- and bio-based products can reduce demand for petroleum-derived products. This leads to a more environmentally-friendly construction industry.

Organizations are finding that soy- and bio-based products aren’t being forced to pay more for lower performing products to become sustainable. Environmentally-friendly options are extremely comparable, financially, to that of their counterparts.

Soybeans are often less expensive than petroleum-based products and soybeans are widely cultivated right in the middle of the country, in the state of Illinois, making them readily available to be sent by train, truck, or boat to manufacturing processors.

Consumers are often far more likely to pay a premium for products that are sustainably sourced or sustainably produced and we recognize that they are increasingly seeking to do business with companies that align with their environmental values.

This means that companies that are “It’s Sustainably Soy” certified can earn more for simply changing from a petroleum-derived product to a soy- or bio-based product.

Additionally, utilizing soy-based products also support Illinois’ strong financial position. Becoming “It’s Sustainably Soy” certified shows your support for the hardworking 43,000 soybean farmers of Illinois, for our state and even national economy.

With nearly 23,000 jobs and almost $1.2 billion in wages linked to soybeans, the impact of increased usage on the agricultural economy quickly becomes clear.

For more information about the “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program or to certify your project, visit www.ilsoy.org/its-sustainably-soy.

Claire Weinzierl is the communications manager of the Illinois Soybean Association.