USDA Bio Preferred Program

This is a big deal to us, because many claims in the sustainability arena are not regulated. We and our stakeholders trust certifications backed by data and testing to standardize language around sustainable materials. We’re glad to see an established definition for a term such as “biobased” and are thrilled to participate in the program.

The real-world impact matters, too: in the latest Economic Impact Report released by USDA, biobased products also have a substantial environmental impact, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.  Biobased products supported 4.6 million American jobs and contributed $470 billion to the U.S. economy.

"We applaud TemperPack for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product label for both Green Cell Foam and ClimaCell," said Vernell Thompson, USDA BioPreferred Program. "The label is intended to help spur economic development, create new jobs, and provide new markets for farm commodities. But the label also makes it easier for consumers and federal buyers to locate biobased products and consider planet-friendlier options during purchase decisions. By having their products become USDA Certified Biobased, TemperPack joins an expanding list of businesses combatting inaccurate marketing claims and the practice of greenwashing, while also contributing to a thriving bioeconomy that decreases our reliance on petroleum."

Here's the full story:

What is the USDA BioPreferred Program?

The USDA BioPreferred Program was first introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized in 2018, with the goal of increasing the development, purchase, and use of biobased products.

There are two major focus areas in the bill: first, requiring federal agencies and contractors to give purchasing preference to biobased products, and second, provide a program for voluntary product labelling for companies producing biobased products.

Why does the U.S. want to promote biobased products?

• More jobs and revenue streams for small and mid-sized farmers.
• Cleaner products that reduce the use of petroleum.  According to the USDA, in 2021, biobased products displaced 10.7 million barrels of oil.

What is a biobased product?

Here’s the definition, straight from the USDA.

A commercial or industrial product that is (A) composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials, renewable chemicals, and forestry materials; or (B) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock.

Biobased products are derived from raw materials such as plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. Biobased products generally provide an alternative to conventional petroleum derived products and include a diverse range of offerings such as lubricants, detergents, inks, fertilizers, and bioplastics. Biobased products do not include food, feed, or fuel.

How does a product earn the USDA Certified Biobased product label?

Biobased Content: The product must contain a certain minimum percentage of biobased content, which is determined by ASTM D6866, a standard test method for determining biobased carbon content.

• Note that ASTM D6868 testing must be conducted by a 3rd party lab, not a lab operated by TemperPack nor by the USDA.
• There are 139 product categories, each with a specific minimum percentage of biobased content, based on safety requirements and the composition of incumbent materials in the market. For example:
• Candles – require a minimum 88% biobased content in order to earn the USDA Biobased Product label.
• Cosmetics products – 25%
• Laundry – Dry Sheets – 90%
• Thermal Shipping Containers – Non Durable – 82% - That’s Us!

Certification Application: Manufacturers or vendors must apply to the USDA, providing detailed information about the product, including its biobased content, technical performance, and potential environmental and human health effects.

Compliance with Program Standards: The product must comply with the USDA BioPreferred Program standards and guidelines, which include adherence to regulations and guidelines regarding environmental, health, and safety criteria.

Verification and Testing: The USDA may conduct additional verification and testing to ensure the product meets all requirements and standards for the BioPreferred Program certification.

What are examples of materials that meet biobased standards?

Paper, vegetable starch, mushrooms, seaweed, shrimp shells, wax, wool, cork – there’s a long list.  If it comes from plants or animals, it’s a good starting place.

As TemperPack grows, we will continue to prioritize using materials from renewable sources that meet biobased standards, in our effort to create better packaging for people, products, and the planet.

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