This lesser-known certification is paving the way toward a renewable future. One that’s not dependent on fossil fuels. Biobased products now exist in nearly every category. And, as one of the oldest members of the USDA Biobased program, we’re here to tell you all about it.
What does ‘Biobased’ mean?
Biobased products are derived from raw, natural materials such as plants. And, other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. Typically, these products provide a renewable alternative to conventional petroleum derived products. This means that biobased materials are much more eco-friendly than their non-renewable counterparts.
The USDA Biobased Certification
You might be wondering, “do we really need another so-called green certification floating around?” It’s a valid thought. The number of certifications (and how credible they really are) can feel like a maze.
But the USDA Biobased certification is trustworthy. And it’s helping the marketplace switch from products made from fossil fuels to those powered by renewable sources. Here’s how it works:
The USDA BioPreferred Program was created in 2002. The goal was to increase the use of renewable agricultural resources. In doing so, the nation’s reliance on petroleum would decrease. All while contributing to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts.
The certification was also created to give transparency to customers. In a world where greenwashing is at an all-time high, consumers can be sure that what they’re buying is as eco-friendly as it’s promised to be.
Third-Party Testing
Within the Biobased program, items must be made from a percentage (up to 100%) of natural materials. To ensure that their certification is accurate, companies use third-party testing to verify the materials they use.
Product Vs Packaging Certification
Both product packaging and the product itself can be certified as biobased. And both can be certified for containing between 25% and 100% biobased materials.
When you pick up a product with the USDA Biobased label, you’ll see a number on it. And, you’ll also see the words “product,” “package,” or both. This tells you what part of the item is USDA certified, and how much. For example, our bamboo utensils and all our packaging is 100% USDA Biobased Certified. This means that 100% of the product (and the packaging) is made with plant-based, renewable materials.
With so many so-called sustainable brands out there, it can be hard to know what’s really making a difference. Certifications are an important way to show that eco-friendly action is truly being taken. And they can lead to big, real changes.
