About BiOH® products

BiOH® polyols and polymers are soy-based, industrial ingredients for polyurethane products such as flexible foam used in upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, carpet cushion and automotive seats, and in binder systems, such as carpet backing. Traditional polyurethane foam is derived from petroleum-based chemicals. BiOH products can replace a portion of the petrochemicals in polyurethane applications. In certain cases, BiOH polyols and polymers outperform traditional polyurethanes, offering customers product innovation opportunities.

An integrated supply chain

Our supply chain starts at the farm – not at the oil well. We purchase soybeans from farmers and then process those soybeans through an integrated value chain. And every step in the chain is supported by processes, technology and our expertise in renewable chemistries – which ensures a consistent and efficient supply of renewable polyols to valued customers like you.

• Farmers: The raw materials for our polyols starts in the farm field - produced by our farmer customers. Our BiOH® products can be produced from all the major oilseeds: soybean, palm, canola, linseed. Our current commercial products are produced from soybean oil. Our primary raw materials are renewable with new crops generated annually in contrast to our petrochemical competitors who are dependent on finite oil resources.
• Grain elevators: Then our grain elevators source crops directly from our farmer customers.
• Oilseed crushing facilities: Soybeans are sent to our oilseed crush facilities where they are processed into crude vegetable oil and meal.
• Oilseed refineries: The crude vegetable oil is then sent to our oilseed refineries where it is further processed into refined vegetable oil.
• Polyol/Polymer manufacturing: Our current manufacturing process begins with soybean oil which is often functionalized into a urethane polyol or polymer.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturers reach BiOH® polyols with another chemical, isocyanate, to make polyurethane. Poylurethane takes many forms including flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. BiOH® polymers mix with a flooring manufacturer's existing latex formulation, replacing some of the petroleum-based raw materials previously used. Polymers are used to make flooring cushioning, binding and adhesives.