Biobased Testing, USDA BioPreferred® Program and Case Studies
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According to a 2022 business confidence survey by the International Leather Maker, the majority of tannery industry professionals are becoming increasingly conscious of the value of switching to biobased tanning chemicals as an alternative to chemicals sourced from fossil-carbon.
On September 12, 2022, President Biden released a new Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. This aims to accelerate America’s bioeconomy through a boost in sustainable biomass production and biobased products.
The USDA BioPreferred® Program increased the number of potential participants by adding 23 more product categories that qualify for a USDA Certified Biobased Product label. These product categories are not designated for federal purchasing preference at this time.
ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic has done bio-based content testing since 2004. As a lab, we have helped Reebok and other brands to verify their plant-derived materials. Use of results, type of sample, and deadlines are three factors to consider before testing.
A FREE webinar about the USDA BioPreferred Program and how carbon-14 analysis is used to measure a product’s biobased carbon content.
Live Webinar: March 22, 2022 – Available on Demand
Speakers: Serafima Kurepa (Beta Analytic), Andrew Jermolowicz (Director, USDA Rural Development – Business Development Division), Vernell Thompson (Procurement Analyst, USDA Rural Development – Public-Private Partnerships Branch)
In an article co-authored with Greenology Products, Beta Analytic’s Marketing Manager Haley Gershon describes the use of Carbon-14 testing to verify biomass-derived ingredients used in the formulation of household and personal care products and explains the need of such testing to qualify for certain certification and eco-labeling programs.
In an article co-written by Beta Analytic and Braskem, the use of Carbon-14 analysis to validate the biomass content of certain products is discussed, including the I’m Green™ certification process—Braskem’s bio-based label.
An article co-written by Summer Zhang and Hui Jian of Beta Analytic and Xuan Nan of Dow Chemical (China) described how to verify the biobased carbon content of products and shared updates on the biobased coating industry.
Carbon-14 analysis plays a key role in distinguishing ingredient sources by providing proof whether the material tested is truly derived from natural biological material. Such analysis is useful in the trend toward naturally sourced, plant-based ingredients in the dye market, which sees a growing consumer preference for naturally sourced inks.
In an article co-written by Beta Analytic Marketing Manager Haley Gershon and Mike Andrews, Director of Advanced Development for Reebok Future, sportswear brand Reebok International Limited described its experience in using biobased content testing as a tool to validate raw materials successfully and how to effectively display the use of plant-derived material to increase product appeal.
According to a study conducted by marketing firm Shelton Group, the USDA Certified Biobased Product label is one of four certifications that influence buying decisions of consumers in the US.
Natural product testing through carbon-14 analysis is used to detect ingredient adulteration by differentiating between biological-derived and fossil fuel-derived sources. It has become a powerful tool for authenticating 100% biobased cannabidiol-based (CBD) ingredients.
Cosmetics consumers are becoming more environmental-friendly by opting for products that are packaged in biobased materials, according to a recent article in HPC Today. Biobased packaging is made from biomass resources such as plants. In a survey focusing on packing options, majority of respondents said they prefer items from brands with eco-friendly packaging.
A recent edition of Personal Care North America features Beta Analytic’s article highlighting the importance of Carbon-14 testing in the skincare industry.
To incentivize the production of chemicals made from renewable resources, some states have implemented tax credit programs.
Biobased product demand is seeing exponential growth over the years with market value expected to reach over $94 million by 2026. Biobased ingredients are used for a variety of applications such as personal care and cosmetics, packaging, pharmaceutical, biofuel, waste-to-energy, and food and beverage sectors.
There has been a rising demand for sustainable alternatives in place of conventional plastic material. Production of biobased plastics allows for a more sustainable option since bioplastics are made from renewable sources (e.g. plant material) as opposed to petroleum-based ingredients, writes Beta Analytic Marketing Manager Haley Gershon in bioplastics MAGAZINE.
Within the household cleaning supplies industry, the preference for laundry detergents with plant-based ingredients (biobased) thrives as they are perceived to be more compatible with eco-friendly lifestyles. As consumer interest in chemicals used in laundry products continue to grow, how can manufacturers assure customers that their products are indeed biobased?
When a material is incinerated, the carbon dioxide gas emitted can be captured and used to manufacture other products. For example, captured CO2 can be converted to potassium carbonate (potash) then used to make detergent and soap. Are these products considered biobased? The answer depends on the fuel burned to produce the emissions.
