USDA BioBased Label

I just finished reading a blog entitled USDA Certification Raises Bar for Bio-Based.

Essentially the USDA has set standards for how both product and packaging can be declared bio-based. Meeting this standard entitles the manufacturer to display a symbol on the package.

As the authors write, “Not just any biologically derived product or package can qualify for the label. Certified products must meet three key criteria: they meet the definition of biobased as written into the 2008 Farm Bill, they contain minimum levels of biobased content set forth by the USDA and verified by the ASTM D6866 test standard (minimums are determined on a category by category basis and are pegged to performance and other criteria), and they represent alternatives to petroleum-based materials introduced after 1972.”

According to the Government’s web site, “The purpose of the USDA BioPreferred^® program is to promote the increased purchase and use of biobased products.” Biobased products can be from forestry, agricultural or marine based materials.

“To the extent that the BioPreferred program achieves its purpose, the increased purchase of biobased products will also be expected to reduce petroleum consumption, increase the use of renewable resources, better manage the carbon cycle, and may contribute to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts.”

Starting mid-March, there will be  audits of the program to insure the integrity of this voluntary program.

What is less clear is whether an effort is being made to determine the quantity of petroleum-based products used to grow or process the bio-based materials that are being used in the product or packaging.

This is a great first step but there is more to consider including water, and air degradation along with the carbon footprint.

As always we are proud of that fact that our wrapping machinery uses less film and less energy than alternative wrapping processes. Please call us with questions at 413.732.4000 x110.