West Lafayette, Indiana – A team of Purdue University students has developed a novel adhesive tape, SoySeal, composed of 90% soybean oil, earning them a $20,000 prize in the 32nd annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition. The competition, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), challenges students to find innovative uses for soybeans.
SoySeal isn’t just a laboratory curiosity; it’s designed to be a viable alternative to traditional tapes. According to Jocelyn Erickson, a biological engineering sophomore and a key member of the SoySeal team, the tape’s adhesive is 100% soy-based, with baking soda comprising the remaining 10% of the backing. Erickson states the tape demonstrates superior holding power compared to conventional masking tape.
The team’s innovation aims to tap into modern markets for U.S. Soybean farmers. Erickson highlighted the potential economic impact, stating that a 3% market share in the adhesive tape industry could translate to the consumption of 351,000 tons of soybeans annually. The Indiana Soybean Alliance actively supports research and development efforts to expand soybean utilization.
Soy-Based Innovation: Beyond Adhesive Tape
SoySeal was not the only innovative project recognized in the competition. The second-place team, SoySlipSafe, developed a soy-based anti-icer for roads, earning a $10,000 prize. Lucy Shepard, a biological engineering sophomore with SoySlipSafe, emphasized the contest’s role in showcasing the versatility of soybeans and addressing real-world needs. “Meeting actual farmers and knowing that this is their livelihood…the fact that we could create a product that could impact their life is just so fulfilling,” she said.
The third-place team, SoyLam, created a soy-based plastic laminate, receiving a $5,000 award. The competition also awarded a People’s Choice award of $500 to Soyé, a team that developed a soy-based menstrual pad.
Industry and Academic Collaboration Fuels Innovation
Decatur County farmer Roger Wenning, who served as a judge for the competition, praised the students’ ingenuity and the potential benefits for soybean farmers. “It’s just an awesome competition,” Wenning stated. “It’s awesome to see what these students can do and how they come up with their marketing plans…It’s good for all soybean farmers when we can increase demand.”
The ISA and the soybean checkoff invested over $35,000 in the winning teams, supporting the development of twelve projects involving 36 students. The soybean checkoff, funded by soybean farmers, supports research, promotion and market development efforts for the industry. According to the United Soybean Board, the checkoff invests in research to find new uses for soybeans and increase their value.
Looking Ahead: Commercialization and Market Potential
Following the competition, the ISA will work to further develop these products and assess their commercial viability. The success of SoySeal and other soy-based innovations demonstrates the growing potential for agricultural products to contribute to a more sustainable and diversified economy. The ISA’s continued investment in research and development is crucial for unlocking new opportunities for soybean farmers and expanding the use of this versatile crop.
The development of SoySeal highlights a growing trend toward bio-based materials, driven by consumer demand for sustainable products and a desire to reduce reliance on petroleum-based alternatives. The adhesive tape market, valued at approximately $65 billion globally in 2024, according to Statista, presents a significant opportunity for soy-based alternatives.
What remains to be seen is how quickly these innovations can be scaled up for commercial production and integrated into existing supply chains. The ISA’s commitment to supporting these projects through the development phase will be critical to their success.
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