day · fixed · day 67 of 365

National Biobased Products Day

National Biobased Products Day celebrates a quietly radical idea: plenty of everyday goods do not have to start as petroleum pulled from the ground. They can begin as plants, forestry materials, and even marine resources, then be transformed into cleaners, inks, lubricants, packaging, and building materials that fit smoothly into...

Food & Drink Items & Things42

Marketing angleinferred

Position biobased product lines as sustainable procurement wins for corporate buyers and eco-conscious consumers seeking verified renewable alternatives to petroleum-based goods.

Relevance 42medium intent

Showcase the USDA BioPreferred label: what it certifies and why it matters for procurement teams
Feature a product swap story: how switching one household or industrial item to biobased reduces fossil dependence
Highlight supply-chain impact: how biobased demand supports farmers and renewable feedstock processors
Educate on lifecycle benefits: biobased cleaners, inks, and packaging with lower greenhouse gas footprints

History

National Biobased Products Day began in 2023, launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to draw attention to products made from renewable sources and to encourage broader use of those products in everyday purchasing.

The day was intentionally tied to a milestone: it marked 20 years of the USDA BioPreferred Program, a major federal initiative created through the 2002 Farm Bill to help build markets for biobased goods.

The BioPreferred Program was designed with a practical lever in mind: purchasing. When large buyers choose products with verified biobased content, manufacturers have a clearer incentive to invest in research, scale production, and compete on both performance and price.

That purchasing signal also travels upstream, creating demand for renewable feedstocks and encouraging innovation in how those materials are grown, harvested, and processed.

Over time, the program developed two widely recognized features. One is a federal purchasing preference for certain categories of biobased products, meaning designated categories have requirements meant to increase their use in government procurement.

The other feature is voluntary product certification, which leads to the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. That label matters because it provides a consistent, third-party tested way to verify renewable content. In a world full of vague “eco” language, a measured percentage is refreshingly concrete.

When the USDA established National Biobased Products Day, it also signaled that biobased products had matured beyond a niche concept.

The bioeconomy includes not only household items, but also industrial materials that keep businesses running: lubricants for machinery, solvents used in manufacturing, and building materials used at scale. Some biobased options are designed for consumers browsing shelves.

Others are selected by procurement officers, facility managers, and engineers who care about technical specifications and reliability.

USDA leaders, including officials connected to Rural Development, helped promote the observance as a way to bring that big, sometimes invisible network into view.

Biobased manufacturing can have an especially strong connection to rural communities because renewable feedstocks are often produced or sourced outside major urban centers. When new markets develop for plant oils, fibers, or forestry residues, that can support processing facilities and related jobs closer to the source.

The celebration has been framed as inclusive rather than purely governmental. Businesses can highlight product innovation and verified content. Schools can connect science lessons to real materials.

Community groups can focus on practical swaps and responsible purchasing. And individuals can simply learn to recognize the USDA label and understand what it signifies.

Just as importantly, National Biobased Products Day acknowledges that progress is incremental. A biobased product is not a magic wand. It is one tool among many for reducing reliance on fossil resources, diversifying supply chains, and encouraging manufacturing pathways that begin with renewable materials.

The observance exists to keep that momentum visible, to celebrate the work already happening, and to invite more people, from curious consumers to large-scale buyers, to participate in shaping what everyday products are made of.

How to celebrate

Share the Story

A meaningful celebration begins with a clear, relatable explanation. Biobased products are made entirely or partially from renewable biological materials such as plants, trees, agricultural crops, algae, or other natural resources. These materials can be transformed into everyday items, including cleaners, packaging, plastics, inks, and adhesives. A short presentation, classroom discussion, or lunch-and-learn session can help people connect the idea to real life. It helps to highlight the bigger picture: Traditional petroleum-based products rely on finite fossil resources.Biobased alternatives can reduce dependence on fossil inputs and may lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.Demand for renewable materials supports farmers, processors, and manufacturers across the supply chain. This is also a good opportunity to introduce the USDA BioPreferred Program. The “USDA Certified Biobased Product” label confirms verified renewable content. However, it does not automatically mean a product is non-toxic, fragrance-free, compostable, or suitable for every situation. Sharing this distinction keeps the conversation accurate and trustworthy. For a hands-on approach, consider a show-and-tell with items people may not realize have biobased options, such as cleaning products, printer inks, trash liners, disposable foodware, carpet cleaners, or certain industrial fluids.

Swap a Product

A simple product swap turns awareness into real experience. The most effective swaps focus on one category at a time rather than attempting a complete overhaul. Good starting points include: Hand soap or all-purpose cleanerDishwashing liquidLaundry detergentTrash bags or food storage productsOffice supplies such as pens or printer ink (where available)Garden materials like twine, plant pots, or mulch films Frame the swap as a short experiment. Participants can evaluate performance, scent, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. This mirrors how procurement teams test and compare products before making long-term decisions. To keep the process evidence-based, look for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. Certified products must meet verified minimum biobased content levels, making the evaluation about measurable renewable content rather than marketing claims.

Host a Simple Demo

Hands-on demonstrations make the concept tangible and answer the most common question: “Does it actually work?” Safe comparison ideas include: Cleaning tests to compare streaking, residue, and scentLight lubrication demonstrations for small tools or hingesPackaging comparisons for strength, flexibility, or moisture resistanceAdhesive tests on cardboard or wood to compare drying time and bonding During the demo, explain the idea of renewable versus petroleum-derived ingredients in simple terms. Many products are blends, and that is normal. Biobased chemistry often combines renewable and conventional components to balance stability and performance. This is also a great moment to teach label awareness. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label indicates that renewable content has been tested and verified, helping consumers make informed choices.

Kid-Friendly Activity

For younger audiences, focus on curiosity and creativity rather than technical details. The goal is to show that many products begin with natural materials. Simple activities include: Collages using paper, cardboard, or plant-based fabricsBasic weaving with cotton, jute, or natural fibersMaking seed paper cards that can be plantedBuilding small structures from wood pieces or cardboard tubes A short explanation is enough: some everyday items can come from corn, soy, sugarcane, algae, or trees instead of oil. Older students can play a “feedstock detective” game. Give them a list of products and ask them to guess the natural source behind them, then discuss how scientists turn raw materials into reliable ingredients.

Social Media Spotlight

Social media works best when the message is specific, practical, and authentic. A simple photo of a product label, refill station, or classroom activity can inspire others to try something new. Effective post ideas: Share a product that carries the USDA Certified Biobased Product labelMention its category and what it’s used forAdd a brief personal note about performance, scent, or ease of use Tagging @BioPreferred or mentioning the certification can help with visibility, but the most valuable part is the honest, real-world feedback. Practical experiences make it easier for others to explore biobased options with confidence. National Biobased Products Day Timeline1862USDA Was Created to Support American AgriculturePresident Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the U.S. Department of Agriculture, establishing a federal institution that would later administer programs supporting renewable, plant‑ and forest‑based products. [1]1907Bakelite Showed the Break from Traditional Biobased MaterialsChemist Leo Baekeland patents Bakelite, an early fully synthetic plastic that accelerates the industry’s move away from natural materials such as shellac, rubber, and cellulose and sets the stage for widespread petrochemical use. [1]1924Cellophane was introduced to the United States as a Commercial FilmDuPont licensed and refined cellophane, a transparent film made from regenerated cellulose, and began commercial sales in the United States, demonstrating that plant‑derived polymers can be engineered for modern packaging. [1]1990U.S. Farm Bill Backed New Industrial Uses for Farm CommoditiesThe Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 directed USDA to support “new industrial uses and products” made from agricultural materials, laying policy groundwork for later federal biobased product initiatives. [1]2002Farm Security and Rural Investment Act Established BioPreferredThe 2002 Farm Bill created the USDA Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, later branded BioPreferred, to increase government purchasing of biobased products made from renewable agricultural, forestry, and marine materials. [1]

USDA Was Created to Support American Agriculture

President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the U.S. Department of Agriculture, establishing a federal institution that would later administer programs supporting renewable, plant‑ and forest‑based products. [1]

Bakelite Showed the Break from Traditional Biobased Materials

Chemist Leo Baekeland patents Bakelite, an early fully synthetic plastic that accelerates the industry’s move away from natural materials such as shellac, rubber, and cellulose and sets the stage for widespread petrochemical use. [1]

Cellophane was introduced to the United States as a Commercial Film

DuPont licensed and refined cellophane, a transparent film made from regenerated cellulose, and began commercial sales in the United States, demonstrating that plant‑derived polymers can be engineered for modern packaging. [1]

U.S. Farm Bill Backed New Industrial Uses for Farm Commodities

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 directed USDA to support “new industrial uses and products” made from agricultural materials, laying policy groundwork for later federal biobased product initiatives. [1]

Farm Security and Rural Investment Act Established BioPreferred

The 2002 Farm Bill created the USDA Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, later branded BioPreferred, to increase government purchasing of biobased products made from renewable agricultural, forestry, and marine materials. [1]

FAQ

What is a biobased product, and how is it different from “biodegradable” or “compostable”?

A biobased product is made in significant part from renewable biological materials such as plants, agricultural residues, marine resources, or forestry materials, instead of petroleum. “Biodegradable” and “compostable” describe how a product breaks down at the end of its life, often under specific conditions, while “biobased” refers to where its carbon comes from in the first place. Some biobased products are also biodegradable or compostable, but others are designed for long service life and are not, and petroleum-based products can sometimes be labeled biodegradable even though they are not biobased. [1]

How does the USDA measure the biobased content that appears on a product label?

USDA uses a standardized lab test called ASTM D6866 to measure the percentage of “modern” biogenic carbon in a product, which comes from recent plant, animal, or microbial sources, and to distinguish it from fossil carbon. Certified products must send samples to an approved third‑party laboratory after USDA has pre‑approved the application. The resulting percentage is what appears on the USDA Certified Biobased Product label so buyers can compare how much renewable content different products contain. [1]

Are biofuels considered biobased products in the same way as cleaners, plastics, or building materials?

Biofuels are technically made from biobased feedstocks, but the USDA BioPreferred Program generally focuses on non‑food, non‑feed, and non‑fuel products for its labeling and federal purchasing categories. In practice, that means items such as cleaners, lubricants, plastics, and construction materials are treated as biobased products for labeling and procurement, while transportation fuels follow separate policy frameworks and incentives. [1]

Do biobased products always have a smaller environmental footprint than petroleum‑based alternatives?

Biobased products often reduce reliance on fossil resources and can lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially when renewable feedstocks are grown and processed efficiently. However, their overall environmental footprint depends on factors such as land use, farming practices, energy used in manufacturing, transport, and end‑of‑life handling. Government and academic reviews emphasize that comparative life‑cycle impacts must be evaluated case by case rather than assuming that every biobased option is automatically “greener” than a petroleum‑based counterpart. [1]

What kinds of products are eligible for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label?

To be eligible, a product must be a commercial or industrial item, other than food, feed, or fuel, that contains renewable biological ingredients. USDA has defined more than a hundred product categories, such as adhesives, cleaners, flooring, lubricants, inks, and packaging, each with a minimum biobased content level. Products outside these categories can still qualify for the label if they meet a general minimum biobased content and pass the required third‑party testing. [1]

How do biobased products affect farmers and rural economies?

Biobased products create new markets for crops, residues, and forest materials that might otherwise have low value, which can give farmers and forest owners additional revenue streams beyond food and feed. USDA reports that expanding the bioeconomy supports manufacturing and processing facilities in rural areas, helping to diversify local economies and create jobs tied to feedstock supply, logistics, and biobased product production. [1]

Can government agencies or large organizations prefer biobased products in their purchasing, and how does that work?

In the United States, the federal BioPreferred Program designates specific product categories where agencies are required to give preference to qualifying biobased products when feasible. For these categories, manufacturers can self‑certify that they meet or exceed the minimum biobased content for procurement, while separate third‑party testing is needed if they also want to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. This approach is intended to leverage purchasing power to grow markets for biobased goods across many sectors. [1]