New soy based foam replaces harmful PFAS products
The Michigan Soybean Committee and PK Foam Solutions are promoting SoyFoam, a soy flour-based firefighting foam designed to replace traditional PFAS foams that threaten both the environment and human health.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are commonly linked to contaminated water and fish advisories. In 2025, Michigan updated its screening requirements, revealing 98 water bodies with “Do Not Eat” fish advisories due to PFOS, a member of the PFAS family. Traditional firefighting foams containing PFAS contribute significantly to this contamination.
SoyFoam, developed as a sustainable alternative, is certified by the USDA BioPreferred program and is more than 70 percent biobased. It is fully biodegradable and free from PFAS and fluorine. The product is also National Fire Protection Association 18 certified, demonstrating vapor suppression on Class B hydrocarbon fuels and Class A woodland materials. Importantly, it works with traditional foam concentrate dispensing equipment without special handling requirements.
Earlier this year, firefighters in Montcalm County, Michigan, participated in a live demonstration of SoyFoam. “I was really impressed with the one percent solution and the amount of foam that it gave, then the three percent was even better. It places a great blanket out there. The PFAS and environmentally friendly aspect is a bonus to getting SoyFoam onto a truck. The non-carcinogen is really the huge bonus though that makes me really want to utilize this foam at our department,” said Brian Brasington, Chief of the Stanton Township Fire Department.