Soya bean wax crayons, American, 2000-2003

Pack of 24 'soybean' coloured crayons made from soya beans in carton by Dixon Ticonderoga Company, Heathrow, Florida, United States, USA, 2000-2003

The Prang Fun Pro soya bean crayons represent a significant shift toward sustainable, non-toxic, and biodegradable consumer products. Developed as a renewable alternative to petroleum-based crayons, they highlight innovation in response to climate concerns and consumer demand for safer, eco-conscious goods. Made from 85% soybean oil, they reduce reliance on fossil fuels and showcase how renewable resources can support circular manufacturing.

For most of the 20th century, commercial crayons used paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Paraffin-based crayons are effective and inexpensive but: derived from non-renewable sources, may emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which don’t biodegrade easily. In 1993, two students at Purdue University came up with the idea while competing in a "New Uses for Soybeans" competition funded by the Indiana Soybean Development Council. After Dixon-Ticonderoga purchased the rights to the production, in 1997 soybean crayons became available to purchase. They were marketed as a safe, renewable alternative to petroleum wax for children's products. They succeeded by replacing paraffin with hydrogenated soybean oil which is the same base used in soy wax candles. The benefits of soy crayons are that they are non-toxic, safer for children, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (soybeans). One acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons a year. Approximately 50% of the total process energy is derived from photosynthetic solar energy. They are certified Non-Toxic by The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Lac.

The product was sold at Walmart, Target, Staples, and other major American retailers, hitting $2 million in sales during the 1997 back-to-school season. On November 19, 1997, astronaut Takao Dol from the Japanese Space Agency brought Prang Fun Pro crayons on the Space Shuttle Columbia, making it the first crayon in space. According to marketing materials, they have a smoother application with vibrant colours, softer texture, and sometimes better colour blending.

These crayons demonstrate the partnership between individuals and corporations for addressing climate change through innovation. The individuals from Purdue University show how academic competitions can contribute to solving the climate crisis exemplifying how innovations are purchased by larger companies and become products. These crayons minimized environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from material extraction to disposal, prioritized efficient manufacturing processes, and minimized packaging waste while remaining economically viable and socially responsible.