- Biobased Product
Biobased product, was defined by the United States
Secretary of Agriculture in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as follows, "The term ‘‘biobased product’’ means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, ofbiological products orrenewable domesticagricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) orforestry materials."Sources of Biobased Products
Some examples of agricultural resources that make up many biobased products include:
soybeans , corn,kenaf ,flax ,jute , and numerous other types of crops that are harvested. Current applications of these agricultural resources create products such asethanol (corn-based), soy candles, soy-based lubricants,kenaf office paper, andbioplastic s to name a few.Benefits of Biobased Products
The purchasing of biobased products helps many of the farmers across America who grow corn, soybeans, and other resources used by companies in the biobased industry. For example, ethanol is currently one of the leading alternative fuel sources in the U.S. In 2005 year, the [http://www.ethanolrfa.org/ Renewable Fuels Association] reported 3,904 million gallons produced by 81 plants. Currently for the 2006 year, there are 97 ethanol plants with 33 more in production. A majority of these plants are owned by a collective of farms across the midwest. Another key benefit of biobased products is that they are not petroleum-based. This helps alleviate the consumption of resources that harm the environment in terms of biodegrability, toxicity, and pollution.
Organizations for Biobased Products
The following organizations are leading the way in supporting the Biobased Industry.
BioPreferred Program
The [http://www.biopreferred.gov] program was created after the passing of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), when it was then known as the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program or FB4P. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture is overseeing the program. The research undertaken by the program helps implement the Farm Bill’s requirement of getting federal agencies to specifically buy biobased products. One key factor is the requirement that such products are readily available, reasonably priced, and pass the required performance standards of their non-biobased counterparts.United Soybean Board
The [http://www.unitedsoybean.org United Soybean Board] helps promote the use of soybeans farmed across America for use in consumer and industrial products. Originally created from the 1990 Farm Bill and funded by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture , the United Soybean Board performs research, advertising, and other functions to strengthen the soybean industry. To see the variety of products made from soybeans, a directory of products and companies is offered on their website.Examples of companies that develop Biobased Products
* [http://www.greenproducts.net/ Green Products, LLC.] : biopolymer manufacturers of biobased building products designed to not only replace but out perform petroleum building products. Soy based roof coatings, adhesives, sealants and solvents. Inventors of the Environmental Liquid Membrane System (r), Naturalock(r) Biobased low rise foam adhesive and aMAIZEingTM biobased solvent and stripper products.
* [http://www.arenadust.com/ Dustkill Inc.] : Produces a series of biobased products aimed at suppressing dust for industrial roads, pavement, indoors, and many other applications. All of their products are 100% agriculturally derived.
* [http://www.bioblend.com BioBlend Renewable Resources LLC] : Develops, Manufacturers, and Distributes biobased and biodegradable lubricants derived from soy, corn,
canola ,sunflower , and other renewable resources.* [http://www.gemtek.com Gemtek Products] : Offers a line of multi-purpose cleaners,
solvents , lubricants, and other products that are normally petroleum based.* [http://www.natureworksllc.com NatureWorks LLC] : Produces a variety of
polymers that come from biobased resources, such as corn, which can be made into apparel, biodegradable containers, bedding, and numerous other applications.* [http://www.renewablelube.com Renewable Lubricants, Inc.] : Develops biobased lubricants derived from soy, corn,
canola ,sunflower , and other renewable resources grown from farmers across North AmericaSee also
*
Biodiesel
*Biofuel
*Bioplastic
* Corn
*Ethanol
*Soybean
*U.S. Department of Agriculture External links
* [http://agriculture.senate.gov/Legislation/Compilations/AgMisc/ENERGY.pdf Energy Title (Title IX) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ]
* [http://www.biopreferred.gov BioPreferred Program] : Official site of the BioPreferred program
* [http://www.ethanolrfa.org Renewable Fuels Association] : Association dedicated to supporting the use of ethanol by promoting policies, regulations, and research.
* [http://www.unitedsoybean.org/ United Soybean Board] : Promotes the use of U.S. grown soybeans in consumer and industrial products.
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