Soy

How is Soy Fabric made?

Soy fabric is an eco-friendly fabric made from the hulls of Soy beans. These are taken from the waste of food production, rather than harvesting the Soy beans especially for this purpose, meaning that nothing is wasted. It is often known as ‘Vegetable Cashmere.’

Soy Manufacture

Soy protein is liquefied and then extruded into long, thin filament fibres that are then cut and processed in a similar way to many other natural fibres. The process does involve a lot of chemicals, but unlike the production of Bamboo and similar, these chemicals are re-used over and over again in the manufacturing process.

Unlike Bamboo and Hemp, Soy plants require a lot of care whilst growing. They need more water and the conditions have to be just right for them to grow. For this reason pesticides and/ or chemical engineering are often used to help the process and maximise the amount of useable crops available. Also, because Soy bean hulls are a by product of the tofu manufacturing process, the amount of waste that is reduced as Soy isn’t grown purely for fabric manufacture.

Most of the Soy yarns available today come from China where the Soy plants are harvested. All the useful proteins and oils are extracted, leaving only the outer hulls. These are melted down and forced through holes the correct width depending on the end textile use. These are then solidified, making the Soy fibres. These fibres are then spun into yarns which can be woven or knotted into Soy fabrics.

Properties of Soy fabric

  • Soft
  • Lustre of Silk
  • Easy to care for
  • Absorbs dye easily
  • Renewable
  • Bio-degradable
  • Slight Stretch so garments fit well
  • Natural Drape
  • Excellent moisture absorption
  • Cool and comfortable in hot weather
  • Anti-Bacterial
  • UV resistant
  • Not as strong as cotton
  • Can be blended with various other fibres

End uses of Soy

  • High Quality and High density fabrics
  • Clothing
  • Suits
  • A more sustainable alternative to Cotton
  • Shirting
  • Home Textiles


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Written by Kelly Mitchell

Kelly Mitchell, extremely competent and reliable, she is currently in her third year at the University of Lincoln UK, studying Fashion. Kelly is responsible for the Fabrics, Fibers and Leathers sections of our Dictionary


2 thoughts on “Soy

  1. Dear mam,
    Tour article is really very nice regarding Soy Fabric. It is easy to understand. Can you please tell me the methods to easily degrade or decompose the Soy Spun Fabric. It’s really necessary so please guide us as soon as Possible.
    Waiting for your Reply.
    Thanks and regards,
    Jaishree Pareek
    Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra
    India

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