Agriculture conglomerate Cargill has broken ground on a $22 million manufacturing plant that will make soybean-based "polyols."

The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company says its new Chicago facility will be the first large-scale plant for polyols, which are the basic building blocks of polyurethane.

Cargill is making a push on polyols, which it touts as a more sustainable option for manufacturers and ultimately consumers trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

The ingredient replaces petroleum-based chemicals traditionally used in products such as flexible foam cushioning for furniture, bedding and automotive products.

The plant is being built next to two other Cargill operations on the city’s South Side. It’s expected to be operational by late November.