A team of Purdue University students has won a $20,000 prize for inventing a novel adhesive tape made almost entirely from soybeans. The award came from the 32nd annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition, co-sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance. The winning product, named SoySeal, was developed to create new, sustainable markets for U.S. agricultural products. This competition highlights the ongoing search for bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived materials.
The SoySeal tape features an adhesive that is 100 percent derived from soybeans. Its backing is 90 percent soy-based, with baking soda as the only other ingredient. According to its creators, the pressure-sensitive tape can hold more weight than conventional masking tape. The project was led by biological engineering sophomore Jocelyn Erickson. She emphasized the product’s potential economic impact on the farming industry.
Erickson provided a significant data point regarding market potential. Capturing just a three percent share of the adhesive tape market could consume 351,000 tons of soybeans annually. This volume represents a substantial new revenue stream for American soybean growers. The team envisions SoySeal initially entering as a niche, eco-friendly product. Its development is part of a broader trend toward plant-based industrial materials.
The competition also featured a second-place team with a product called SoySlipSafe. Team member Lucy Shepard, also a biological engineering sophomore, noted the contest’s real-world impact. Students interact directly with farmers to understand the industry’s needs. Creating products that can improve agricultural livelihoods is a key motivator. The event underscores soy’s versatility beyond food and animal feed.
Roger Wenning, a Decatur County farmer, served as a judge for this year’s contest. He praised the students’ creativity and the tangible value their innovations bring. Such competitions bridge the gap between academic research and practical agricultural applications. They foster the next generation of scientists focused on sustainable solutions. The success of SoySeal demonstrates the powerful intersection of agriculture, engineering, and market innovation.
