In a cluttered market like the toy industry, a transparent approach goes a long way to stand out from competitors. Consumers will be more likely to trust your toys if the “eco-friendly” claims in your packaging and marketing materials are validated. Getting a Nordic Swan Ecolabel or USDA Certified Biobased Product label can help prove that your toy products are indeed “green”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adding 30 new product categories to the BioPreferred® Program for the preferred procurement of biobased products by federal agencies.
Beta Analytic’s marketing specialist Haley Gershon discussed in a recently published article how biobased certifications contribute to consumer confidence. As the demand for natural and eco-friendly products continue to grow, an eco-label could make one company stand out from its competitors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to add 30 new product categories to the USDA BioPreferred® Program and amend these four existing categories – general purpose de-icers, firearm lubricants, laundry products and water-clarifying agents.
Effective August 9, 2018, manufacturers of several biobased intermediates can join the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program®. Qualified intermediates will be afforded procurement preference by federal agencies and their contractors.
Not all laboratories providing ASTM D6866 biobased content testing are qualified to provide such service to applicants of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program. Biobased content testing labs must first be accepted by the USDA. The labs must be ISO 17025-accredited.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin its BioPreferred® Program audit activities in May 2018. The USDA BioPreferred Program will email all participants to request that they complete an online Audit Declaration of Conformance.
Biobased bath products certified by the USDA BioPreferred Program carries the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, making it easier for consumers to identify which ones are significantly made of materials from feedstocks, agriculture or forestry.
Hair care products manufacturers can participate in the USDA BioPreferred Program as long as they meet the product category’s minimum biobased content and other requirements.
As consumer demand for safer and greener products in pest control continues to rise, more and more businesses are hoping to get certified under the USDA BioPreferred® Program. These biobased products can either be industrial or commercial goods made in large part with biological materials from agriculture, forestry, intermediate, or feedstocks.
Biobased bathroom and spa cleaners are examples of products that may carry the USDA Certified Biobased Product label if they meet the USDA BioPreferred Program’s requirements.
For bedding, bed linens and towels to be certified under the USDA BioPreferred Program, they must be at least 12% biobased as measured by ASTM D6866 testing.
Manufacturers of biobased deodorants may use the USDA Certified Biobased label on their products as soon as their application in the USDA BioPreferred Program is approved. Minimum biobased content requirement for deodorants is 73%.
Businesses whose products meet the requirements can apply to join the USDA BioPreferred Program. This allows businesses to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label on their products, packaging and marketing materials.
Under the USDA BioPreferred Program, construction products can carry the USDA Certified Biobased Product label once their application is approved.
