Wisconsin farmers have an opportunity to explore how their soybeans can transform into new and innovative solutions at the 2025 Wisconsin Corn·Soy Expo. On Thursday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m., in Africa 20, a groundbreaking Soy New Uses Breakout Session will share the story of SoyFoam TF-1122™, its impact on fire departments and how the checkoff uses the power of soy to create new markets and build demand by solving challenges. 

“This is our first panel exploring new uses for soy and SoyFoam is truly a homegrown success story,” said Adam Kask, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) executive director. “It was developed by a Wisconsin-based chemist and continues to undergo testing at the Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. We want farmers to see how their soybeans go beyond feed, food and fuel to make a difference for rural heroes and communities.” 

This session, which will be moderated by Larry Lee of Brownfield Ag News, will feature several experts, including: 

• An introduction from Jonathan Gibbs, president of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board 

• Dave Garlie, Managing Partner and Chief Technology Officer at Cross Plains Solutions 

• Chris Turner, Educator and Lead Technician for Chippewa Valley Technical College’s (CVTC) Fire Safety Center 

• A Wisconsin firefighter with experience using SoyFoam 

The panel will discuss the research and development process, performance, testing and approvals, along with SoyFoam’s environmental benefits and its impact on firefighter safety. The audience will have time to ask questions and learn more about why soy is often seen as a powerful ingredient for innovation. 

SoyFoam’s ‘Success story’ 

The story of SoyFoam began when Cross Plains Solutions was approached by an affiliate of the New York City Fire Department seeking an environmentally friendly training foam. Traditional firefighting foams contain toxic PFAS chemicals that not only persist in the environment but have been linked to increased cancer risks for firefighters. 

In fact, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network reports that firefighters nationwide have a 68% higher chance of getting cancer than the average person. Garlie knew soy could produce foam and is biodegradable, but he wasn’t sure if it could effectively combat fires. 

With funding and support from the United Soybean Board and state checkoff boards like Wisconsin, Garlie and Cross Plains Solutions worked to develop SoyFoam and then rigorously test it with the help of Turner at the state-of-the-art Fire Safety Center at CVTC. The result is the first commercially available, GreenScreen Certified Gold firefighting foam. 

“Soy is one of the most underutilized, sustainable and available building blocks for the industrial markets,” Garlie said. “Cross Plans Solutions has more than a combined 100 years of experience engineering naturally derived agricultural polymers to address environmental and health concerns of present-day petroleum derived chemistries like PFAS. SoyFoam is just one success story.” 

SoyFoam TF-1122 stands out for several reasons, including: 

• 84% biobased 

• Completely biodegradable 

• Fluorine-free 

• Approved for Class A and Class B fires 

• Effective on multiple fuel sources 

• Compatible with existing firefighting equipment 

With PFAS chemicals now banned in more than 11 states, SoyFoam offers a strong alternative to fire departments looking for solutions.  

“SoyFoam is not only an excellent Class A wetting agent and fire retardant for controlled burns, but also a very effective Class B firefighting foam used to put out fuel fires and provide vapor suppression,” said Garlie, who notes it’s currently being evaluated for use by the Department of Defense and U.S. Forest Service. As part of its advocacy efforts, the Wisconsin Soybean Association is also urging the state Department of Natural Resources to encourage state fire departments to adopt the use of SoyFoam. 

While Gibbs is excited to see all the ways soybeans bring value back to the farm, this one is less about profits and more about environmental and social benefits. SoyFoam itself will likely never use enough soy flour or meal to make a huge impact on soybean prices, but its benefits are priceless for his neighbors and friends who are firefighters. 

“PFAS chemicals are so harmful to the environment and firefighters,” he said. “This product helps bring more safety and sustainability to our lives. That’s worth it to me.”  

Investing in Soy Innovation 

While the checkoff still invests heavily in traditional food, feed and fuel markets, Kask notes that the WSMB dedicates 20% of its annual budget to soy new uses. Leveraging combined funds from state and national checkoffs, soy has yielded impressive products, including: 

• SynLawn turf 

• RePlay asphalt preservation 

• Roof Maxx shingle preservation 

• Skechers sneakers 

• Goodyear Tires  

• Soy-based paints 

“The goal is to support the early stages of research, development and initial commercialization,” said Gibbs. “Once there’s a market and demand, the products should stand on their own so funding can be used to support the next generation of soy solutions.” 

If you’re curious about SoyFoam, how to purchase it for your local fire department or to learn about future investments in soy checkoff innovation, this is the breakout session you won’t want to miss.