Industrial applications of soybean-derived materials: Beyond food to sustainable manufacturing

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is increasingly recognized as a strategic bioresource for sustainable industrial production in addition to its role in traditional food and feed systems. Although there is great potential for soybean-derived materials such as epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), soy protein isolate (SPI), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and textured vegetable proteins (TVP) in adhesives, coatings, bioplastics, and alternative protein products, their industrial applications are often discussed within isolated subdisciplines. However, systematic understanding and integration of material properties, processing technologies, and industrial performance remain limited.

To fill this gap, the present review critically consolidates recent processing developments of soybean oil- and protein-based industrial materials, with a focus on bio-adhesives, bio-based polymers, biodegradable plastics, and high-moisture extruded protein systems. The chemical modification of soybean oil, such as epoxidation and polyol synthesis, as well as recent developments in protein extraction, functionalization, and extrusion-based texturization, are reviewed. Structure–property–performance relationships that dictate adhesion strength, mechanical stability, water resistance, and processability are presented.