Event showcases environmental benefits of applying a soy-based product to asphalt roof shingles
CROOKSTON, Minn. (July 1, 2026) — The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) will host an event on Tuesday, July 21, in Breezy Point, Minnesota, to demonstrate the environmental and biobased benefits of applying a soy-based asphalt shingle rejuvenate product to extend the life of roof shingles.
According to industry estimates, more than 11 million tons of asphalt roof shingles in the U.S. wind up in landfills each year. Recycling asphalt shingles is only partially effective because it is difficult to separate non-recyclable materials, such as wood and nails, during the process.
At this event, AURI, MSR&PC, and Roof Maxx of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, will discuss the environmental advantages of using a soy methyl ester emulsion (SMEE) on roof shingles. The soy oil-based rejuvenator product has been shown to effectively extend the life of shingles. The three organizations will also conduct a demonstration of the SMEE application and provide information on roofing rejuvenates on commercial products and opportunities for increased use of soy in Minnesota.
According to a study by The Ohio State University, approximately 7% of U.S. roof shingles are replaced each year. The study found that 5.6 billion pounds of landfill waste could be avoided each year, along with 1.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in emissions, if only 1% of single-family homes (about 15% of annual replacements) applied a SMEE rejuvenate product to their roof shingles.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Roof Maxx Soy-Based Roof Rejuvenation Application Demonstration
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Where: The Wolf’s Den Cabin, Breezy Point Resort | 9252 Breezy Point Drive | Breezy Point, MN 56472
The event is free and open to the public. Members of the media are invited to attend. Please contact Ashley Harguth (aharguth@auri.org) to register or with questions.
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ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
