USDA Starts Bio-Based Certification Program For Consumer Goods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a certification and labeling program for products made from renewable materials.  As part of the USDA's BioPreferred program, the certification aims to encourage manufacturers to use at least 25 percent bio-based content and promote purchase and use of bio-based products by federal agencies and commercial buyers. Consumer goods including household cleaning products and personal care products bearing the labels will come into the market in the first half of 2011.