It’s not uncommon to see towering piles of recycled asphalt sitting idly along highways, often perceived as little more than waste. But for Nacu Hernandez, Lead Researcher of SoyLei, these mountains of unused material are filled with potential. From their headquarters in Ames, Iowa, SoyLei is reimagining the future of road and roofing materials by blending sustainability, innovation, and practical solutions for the asphalt industry.

Hernandez, a graduate of Iowa State University (ISU), and his team at SoyLei have leveraged years of research and development to create bio-based products that rejuvenate asphalt, enabling manufacturers to use higher percentages of recycled material.

“Right now, companies can only use about 20% of recycled asphalt in new roads,” Hernandez explains. “With our product, we can push that number to 50 or even 60% without sacrificing quality.”

This breakthrough not only saves costs for asphalt manufacturers but also addresses a significant environmental challenge by reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing the accumulation of unused recycled asphalt.

Innovation Rooted in Research

SoyLei’s origins trace back to research conducted at Iowa State University, where Hernandez and his team explored the potential of soybean oil as a renewable additive for asphalt. Initially driven by a shortage of traditional asphalt polymers, the team saw an opportunity to develop a cost-effective, sustainable alternative using soy-based materials.

The result is a line of products that improve asphalt performance while remaining competitive in price.

“You can’t just sell sustainability—you need to be cost-competitive and deliver performance advantages,” Hernandez says. “Our products check all those boxes, and as a bonus, they’re made from 100% U.S.-grown soybeans.”

From rejuvenators that restore asphalt’s flexibility to sealants that extend the lifespan of roofing shingles, SoyLei’s products have found a solid market fit.

“We’re competing with industry giants, but our solutions can go head-to-head with them, and in many cases, win,” Hernandez says.

Benefits of Being in Ames and the ISU Research Park

For SoyLei, having a headquarters in the Iowa State University Research Park has been pivotal to its growth. The company benefits from access to advanced testing facilities, research agreements, and a steady pipeline of talented students and graduates from Iowa State.

“Being close to Iowa State gives us access to equipment we would have a difficult time finding otherwise and allows us to collaborate with professors and students who are already familiar with our work,” Hernandez says. “It’s also a huge advantage for recruiting. The Research Ppark also offers incredibly helpful programs where we can hire students with the support of the Park team managing payroll.”

This proximity to academic expertise and resources accelerates SoyLei’s ability to innovate. “When you’re working with Iowa State, you’re not starting from scratch. The partnerships we have with their labs make a big difference,” Hernandez says.

Expanding Sustainability in Asphalt and Beyond

While the company’s primary focus remains on asphalt applications, SoyLei’s technology has broader implications. Its products can also rejuvenate roofing shingles, improving their longevity and reducing waste. By targeting these two massive markets, SoyLei is positioning itself as a leader in renewable, performance-enhancing additives.

Looking ahead, SoyLei plans to continue expanding its reach while maintaining its roots in Ames.

“We’re in growth mode,” Hernandez says. “Our goal is to centralize our operations, expand production capacity, and keep developing innovative products that solve real-world problems.”

At the heart of SoyLei’s mission is a commitment to sustainability and practical solutions that benefit both industry and the environment. With strong ties to Iowa State University and a growing reputation in the asphalt industry, the company is well on its way to transforming what it means to pave the way forward.

To learn more about SoyLei and its innovative approach to sustainable asphalt solutions, visit soylei.com.