St. Louis — Stemming from funding from the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff, 22 new soy-based products hit the market in 2006. As the soybean checkoff builds partnerships with industry, soy-based products continue to find success in five market areas: plastics, lubricants, coatings and printing inks, adhesives and emerging industrial opportunities. U.S. manufacturers and researchers were responsible for utilizing in excess of 750 million pounds of soybean oil in 2006; a figure that has steadily risen over the past decade, and continues to increase as many companies express interest in using soy over petroleum. A key example of USB’s success in partnerships with industry has been with Ford Motor Company, who announced a breakthrough in soy-based polyurethane foams—the primary substance that makes up a vehicle’s seat cushions, seat backs, armrests, and head restraints. For more information, visit www.unitedsoybean.org/newuses.