Hickory Springs Launches Next-Gen Soy-Based Foam
Hickory Springs is long known for quality foam components in furniture and bedding. Well they launched a game-changer in 2011. It’s an improved version of their Preserve® soy-based foam. For this eco-conscious innovation replaced up to 30% of petroleum. It’s derived polyol with biobased soy polyol. More notably and essentially without sacrificing performance. In fact, some testing showed enhanced foam comfort and durability.
In developing Preserve, Hickory Springs combined decades of foam manufacturing expertise with forward-thinking environmental design. The move came at a time when petroleum prices were volatile. In addition, consumers more importantly demanded greener products.
As a result, the company positioned itself ahead of competitors by blending renewable soy polyol into its foam without compromising comfort or performance. Moreover, this innovation helped reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions. As well, it set a precedent for sustainable practices. Especially in the furniture and bedding industry.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Materials: Hickory Springs Foam
Confronted with rising oil prices and supply uncertainty, Hickory Springs took proactive steps. Preserve doesn’t just cut reliance on petrochemicals. It marks an intentional shift in the industry’s mindset toward renewable resources and responsible manufacturing. “This product allows us to lead the market toward sustainable growth,” said Dimitrios Dounis, their Director of R&D.
Smarter Ingredients, Stronger Outcomes
Hickory Springs replaced up to 30% of the total polyol content. Now that’s equating to as much as 20% by weight of the final foam. More using soy-derived ingredients that meet or exceed traditional standards in cushioning. The result? Foam that feels creamier, resists color fade, maintains durability, and even passes flammability tests more effectively.
Moreover, the company eliminated harmful substances like PBDEs and CFCs from its processes and became the first U.S. foam producer certified under the CertiPUR-US® program, ensuring low harmful emissions and safe structural standards.
Building on Innovation
But the story didn’t end there. Hickory Springs continued improving its formula. By 2007, it introduced Preserve-HR, the first high-resilience (HR) foam made with soy polyol. Now that’s so perfect for high-end upholstered furniture.
Performance data supported the shift. Case studies, like one from the United Soybean Board, showed soy-based foams offered sensory comfort, durability, and consistent feel—all while reducing environmental impact by using only the oil portion of the soybean. Read the case study here.
Why It Matters
Replacing petrochemical ingredients with renewable soybean oil helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Preserve sold well because it delivered equal or better comfort. In addition to durability and a feel compared to standard foam. Therefore, Hickory Springs led the transition toward green foam. That’s because it’s aligning with sustainability shifts across furniture manufacturing.
So Hickory Springs’ Preserve series is beginning with the original soy-based formula. Then it’s and later evolving into Preserve-HR. For this most definitely became a meaningful milestone in sustainable manufacturing. It essentially proved that eco-conscious materials can offer real benefits. That’s clearly without compromise.
A Path Forward for Sustainable Furniture
Hickory Springs proved that foam can be green without losing performance. Preserve and Preserve-HR replaced a large share of petroleum with soy-based polyols. The result stayed strong, comfortable, and durable. It matched—sometimes beat—the standards set by traditional foams. This was not an experiment. It was proof that renewable materials work at scale.
Still, most of the furniture industry clings to old habits. Petroleum remains the main ingredient in far too many products. This reliance wastes energy and locks in high emissions. The tools to change already exist. The benefits are in plain sight. Manufacturers have the power to shift—and they must.
Switching to soy-based polyols cuts greenhouse gases. It reduces oil demand and meets consumer demand for eco-friendly products. It also builds brand trust. In today’s market, that trust can set a company apart. Furthermore, early adopters gain the advantage. They lead the conversation instead of chasing it.
The path forward is clear and the future of foam can be cleaner, safer, and better for the planet. Hickory Springs lit the way. Now others must follow. Invest, innovate and replace petroleum with plants. Keep raising the bar until renewable becomes the rule and not the rare exception. The time to act isn’t next year. That’s beit’s now. Every cushion, every mattress, every seat should prove that comfort and sustainability can sit side by side.
