Bio-based boost in United States

Demand for bio-based products – including those being developed in Bio4Products – looks set to grow in the United States following changes to government procurement rules.

12 new product categories have been added to the BioPreferred programme, which makes it mandatory for federal agencies and their contractors to buy bio-based products when possible.

The new categories focus on intermediate ingredients and feedstocks. Although the Federal government does not purchase large amounts of intermediates, including such materials makes it possible to identify and include finished products made from such designated materials in the BioPreferred programme.

To qualify for preferred procurement, a product must be within a designated product category and contain a minimum bio-based content. Companies are invited to register their own bio-based products for entry to the programme. Qualifying products appear in the BioPreferred Catalog.

In 2016 alone the US Federal Government spent $461 billion (€398 billion) on procurement and contracts, so the BioPreferred programme can go along to stimulate the market for bio-based products.

The 12 new (intermediate) product categories introduced in September 2018 are:

  • Plastic Resins;
  • Chemicals;
  • Paint and Coating Components;
  • Textile Processing Materials;
  • Foams;
  • Fibers and Fabrics;
  • Lubricant Components;
  • Binders;
  • Cleaner Components;
  • Personal Care Product Components;
  • Oils, Fats, and Waxes;
  • Rubber Materials.