The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now making it easier for consumers to identify biobased products with the launch of the BioPreferred labeling program. Under the new voluntary program, manufacturers and vendors can, after obtaining certification from USDA, market their certified biobased product using the “USDA Certified Biobased Product” label. The seal will contain a percentage indicating how much of the product is made from corn, soy, or other renewable sources.
Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) played an important role in getting the BioPreferred program off the ground.
The organization helped test many products for biobased content and assisted USDA with developing rules for preferred Federal government procurement of the products. CIRAS also helped USDA design the label and the processes used to track the companies that have met the minimum requirements for label usage.
In a continuing partnership with USDA, CIRAS is responsible for locating biobased companies and products in the US and qualifying free trade countries; identifying biobased products; investigating and analyzing potential designation categories; providing industry perspective; and acting as a conduit between businesses and government.
Currently, USDA estimates that there are over 20,000 commercially available biobased products created in the United States. These products are placed in approximately 200 categories, ranging from cleaning products to construction materials. While biobased products are widely available today, the new label will make these sustainable products more accessible and visible, as well as serve as a valuable marketing tool for the manufacturers and vendors of these products.
About CIRAS
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) improves the quality of life in Iowa by enhancing the performance of industry through research, education and technology-based services. Assistance to companies is provided in partnership with Iowa’s universities, community colleges and government agencies. Research, education, and services are supported in part by the DoC/NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the DoD/DLA Procurement Technical Assistance Program, the DoC/EDA University Center Program, and the USDA/BioPreferred Program.