USDA Unveils 60 Products With Bio-Based Labels

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the first 60 products to earn USDAs certified BioPreferred product label that designates bio-based products or packaging made from renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials.

The new label indicates the product has been independently certified to meet USDA BioPreferred program standards for bio-based content. Clear Lam Packaging Inc.s plant-based plastic food packaging used to package fresh food was among the companies receiving the designation.

"When consumers see the BioPreferred label in a store, they'll know that the product or its packaging is made from renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials," said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "From bioplastics to plant-based cleaners, from industrial lubricants and construction products to personal care items, this ever-growing list of bio-based products helps create jobs in rural communities by adding value to agricultural commodities and can reduce our dependence on imported oil."

USDA's BioPreferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill to increase the purchase and use of bio-based products within the federal government and the commercial market. Congress reauthorized and strengthened the program in the 2008 Farm Bill to further promote the sale of bio-based products. With the launch of this new bio-based product label, USDA's BioPreferred program is now comprised of two parts: a bio-based product procurement preference program for federal agencies, and a voluntary labeling initiative for the broad-scale marketing of bio-based products.