What is methyl soyate?

SoyGuard® is formulated with methyl soyate, a natural solvent and oil that absorbs deeply into wood providing superior protection from degradation. In addition to the polystyrene barrier provided by our products, the methyl soyate acts as a sealer, supplying additional surface protection for wood from water damage.

Methyl soyate is a soy methyl ester derived from soybean oil. It has numerous environmentally friendly and worker friendly properties and characteristics. It is lower in toxicity than most petroleum derived solvents. It is readily biodegradable. It has a very high flash point, and a low level of volatile organic compounds (VOC) - less than 0.4 lbs/gallon. It is also a non-irritant to eyes or skin. It is NOT classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous air pollutant, an ozone depleting chemical, or a volatile organic compound.

What are the positive environmental impacts of using methyl soyate as a solvent in wood care applications?

Formulating specialty wood care and coating products with methyl soyate helps solve many environmental resource problems and supports American Farmers. Methyl soyate is made from renewable resources (Soybeans) produced by American Farmers. Many other solvent borne and oil-based wood care products use solvents made from imported petroleum, creating a dependence on imported fossil fuels. Use of methyl soyate does not damage the ozone, unlike many leading solvent and oil-based formulas. It is also an alternative to the traditional chlorinated, hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon solvents being regulated out of the market as ozone depleting chemicals, hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. The positive environmental properties of soy products make them ideal for sensitive applications and for safety conscious consumers. Methyl Soyate is biodegradable if spilled and is non-flammable, unlike many solvents and petroleum distillates currently used in coating and waterproofing applications.

Methyl soyate is an excellent, safe and cost-effective solvent and is compatible with most surface materials and other organic materials. In addition, Methyl soyate is a biodegradable solvent and does not have a long-term negative affect in soil or in the atmosphere in case of accidental spills.

The fragrance strongly resembles cooking oil or deep-fat fryer oil. Use SoyGuard…and no longer worry about the safety and health consequences of the strong odors and vapors associated with many other solvent-based waterproofing and coating products.