October 2, 2006—The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed 20 new categories of biobased products for preference in federal purchases. According to the USDA, biobased products generally replace items produced from petroleum, so they can potentially reduce US dependence on petroleum, and they often have environmental benefits as well.
The product categories include: adhesive and mastic removers, insulating foam for wall construction, hand cleaners and sanitizers, composite panels, fluid-filled transformers, biodegradable containers, fertilizers, metalworking fluids, sorbents, graffiti and grease removers, two-cycle engine oils, lip care products, biodegradable films, stationary equipment hydraulic fluids, biodegradable cutlery, glass cleaners, greases, dust suppressants, carpets, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.
According to the USDA, these 20 categories will open the door for federal procurement of 1,500 biobased products. Comments on the proposed rules are due on October 16. For the current Biobased Products Catalog, visit the USDA site.
