From Fields to Firefighting with Soy Foam Technology

As environmental concerns rise and the push for sustainable solutions intensifies, soy-based technology is making huge impacts beyond traditional farming. With a shift towards more sustainable firefighting, soybeans are now helping fight fires.

Traditionally, firefighting foams have relied on harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, which stays in the environment and causes health risks. However, new innovations like Cross Plains Solutions’ SoyFoam ™ TF 1122 offer an alternative that is safe for the environment and efficient.

David Struck, Chairman of the SD Soybean Research and Promotion Council said in a May press release, “Seeing SoyFoam™ in action, it's evident we've found a remarkable solution. Not only does it effectively suppress fires, but it's also a game-changer for our environment. As a farmer, knowing that soybeans are being utilized in such an impactful way is incredibly gratifying. With SoyFoam™, we're not just protecting firefighters; we're championing sustainability and safety."

What is Soy Foam Technology?

Soy foam technology uses soybeans to create an eco-friendly firefighting foam. 

“SoyFoam™ not only protects firefighters, but it is safer for rural and urban water supplies,” said Dave Garlie, Chief Technology Officer at Cross Plains Solutions. “We are very proud that SoyFoam is the first and only firefighting foam to be GreenScreen Certified® at the Gold level. The soy checkoff supported our research and testing that contributed to our achieving this major milestone.”

Why is Soy Foam a Game-Changer?

• Sustainable & Biodegradable: Soy foam naturally breaks down, reducing pollution in soil and water, and lowering the need for fossil fuels.

• Health & Safety: Free from PFAS, soy foam minimizes health risks like cancer and ensures safe use for both firefighters and surrounding communities.

• Effective Firefighting: Soy foam forms a protective barrier over flames, preventing re-ignition and making it effective for structural, wildland, and industrial fires.

• Economic Support: Using soybeans grown in South Dakota, soy foam provides an economic boost to local farmers and offers a stable, cost-effective alternative to petroleum-based foams.

Applications in Firefighting

Soy foam can be used in both wildfires and urban fires. For wildfires, its biodegradable properties protect local ecosystems while stopping fires quickly. Additionally, its efficiency in extinguishing urban and industrial fires helps minimize structural damage and recovery time.

Connecting Soy Farming to Firefighting

Soy-based solutions in firefighting show how soybeans can be used in many ways, helping to strengthen South Dakota’s agricultural economy. Farmers can earn extra income by supplying soy for firefighting, giving them more financial stability during changing market demands.

The demand for soy foam also encourages farmers to use better farming methods, which improve soil health, increase crop yields, and boost farm productivity.

Promoting Soy Sustainability

Soybeans support sustainable farming by playing a key role in crop rotation, improving soil fertility, and cutting down the need for chemical fertilizers. This helps keep soils healthy for future crops. Soy foam’s biodegradable nature also lowers the carbon footprint compared to traditional foams, reducing the environmental impact in both agriculture and firefighting.

Beyond firefighting, soybeans are used in products like tires, shoes, and renewable diesel, showing their value across many industries and boosting their sustainability and economic importance.

Looking Ahead

The use of soy foam is a major step forward in firefighting, showing how agricultural innovations can help address important environmental and health issues. Continued research aims to improve its performance and explore new uses in other industries that need sustainable foam solutions.

“We are proud of the partnership with the United Soybean Board and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDRPC) to introduce this new safer firefighting foam to firefighters”, Dave Garlie commented. “SDRPC brought farmers and firefighters to see its performance in the lab as well as in real-world applications during Farm to Fire 1 demonstrations at our plant in Georgia in March 2024. Seeing was believing and this led to fire departments like Claremont to use the product.”

Garlie hopes that testimonials from Claremont’s fire department will encourage the use of SoyFoam™ in more South Dakota communities. 

Read more about groundbreaking technology in the farming industry and how South Dakota soybean farmers are using it.