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Ohio’s firefighters work hard to protect their communities. But how can we better protect them in return?

On Monday, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Harrison Township Fire Department in Ashville, Ohio, came together for a groundbreaking demonstration of SoyFoam™ TF 1122. Unlike traditional firefighting foams that contain PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” SoyFoam™ is made from soy flour, making it entirely PFAS-free and biodegradable. The foam was developed by Cross Plains Solutions in partnership with the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff.

Harrison Township Assistant Fire Chief Colt Cline stated, “We are excited to partner with the Ohio Soybean Council. We are always looking for ways to keep our firefighters safe and healthy. Utilizing products that are PFAS-free and 100 percent biodegradable are significant wins for all of us. We were honored to host this event and get to know the people that have made this product possible.”

PFAS have been used in firefighting foams since the 1950s and have been linked to higher rates of cancer among firefighters.

“Many farmers also work as volunteer firefighters, so we are honored to contribute to the development of SoyFoam,” said Steve Reinhard, a Crawford County soybean farmer and former volunteer firefighter. “Not only are we doing a better job of protecting our communities and our environment from PFAS, but we’re building demand for soybean farmers.”

Cross Plains Solutions estimates that current applications of SoyFoam™ TF 1122 could utilize the protein from 12 million bushels of soybeans, with additional potential uses on the horizon. In addition to getting the word out about this new technology, OSC’s sister organization, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA), is talking to state policymakers about a financial assistance program to offset the cost of purchasing SoyFoam.

“Having financial assistance available would go a long way in helping fire departments make the switch to a safer foam,” said Rusty Goebel, Williams County soybean farmer and OSA president. “We are working very closely with our legislators to ensure that all departments have the means to try SoyFoam.”

As we approach International Firefighters’ Day on May 4, the Ohio Soybean Council encourages local farmers to share information about SoyFoam™ with their fire departments. By supporting the use of this innovative product, farmers can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of first responders and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

For more information on SoyFoam™ and its applications, visit crossplainssolutions.com.