The Soya Bean's Industrial Uses

Soya is not only used in the manufacture of food for human and animal consumption but also in a variety of industrial processes. These range from the manufacture of adhesives and plastics to dynamic and waterproofing preparations.
For many years soya bean oil has been used in the manufacture of paints, both for domestic and industrial use. It is also used in the printing industry in printing inks, adhesives, and paper. In the United States the soya bean is used in the brewing industry to help the yeast ferment and enhance the flavor of beer.

Soya is even used in the fire-fighting foam. Water might put out the surface flames, but the fire could still be burning underneath. Fire-fighting foam on the other hand clings to most surfaces and does not drain as quickly as water. If oil has caught fire, the foam floats on the surface and smothers the flames.

Glycerine, which is a byproduct of vegetable oils including soya, is used in nearly every industry. It is an ingredient in many medicines including cough mixtures and is also a basic medium in toothpaste. Glycerine is not only used in glues to prevent quick drying, but also in the manufacture of explosives. No doubt as research and experiments continue, even more uses for this versatile crop will be found.