Smith & Fong Co. announced it has developed "Soybond," a soy-based adhesive system for its line of Plyboo bamboo plywood and flooring. The new adhesive is the result of more than two years of research at Smith & Fong's manufacturing facility. The first Soybond-based Plyboo panel will be on the ground in North America in November 2009, with all of the company's plywood and flooring production to be converted to the adhesive by the first quarter of 2010.

"We've already established PlybooPure bamboo plywood and flooring as the cleanest products on the market but have wanted to push this mandate to the next level," said company founder and president Dan Smith. "A bio-based adhesive system seemed the logical next step for us."

Smith explains that soy-based adhesives have mechanical properties that compete well with chemical-based alternatives, but offer advantages in indoor air quality, workplace environmental safety and ease of disposal. The United Soybean Board states that soy-hydrolyzate and soy-flour adhesives do not require hazardous waste disposal. "This presents a tremendous advantage for countries that struggle with waste disposal issues," Smith said. "And we're looking to be part of the solution."

For more information, visit the company's website.