USDA BioPreferred program participates in European BioPlastics Conference

Ron Buckhalt, Program Manager of the USDA BioPreferred program recently participated in a discussion on biobased product labeling focused on the harmonization of international certification and labeling standards for biobased products. With more than 320 participants and 210 companies from 29 countries, the European Bioplastics Conference held in December, 2014 in Brussels, Belgium facilitated discussions of biobased products, research, policy, and standards.

The Biobased Product labeling panel discussion included:

• Ron Buckhalt, Program Manager, USDA BioPreferred
• Dr. Oliver Ehlert, DIN CERTCO
• Ms Constance Ißbrücker, European Bioplastics e.V.
• Mr Isao Inomata, Japan Bioplastics Association
• Mr Salvador Ortega, ANIPAC (NatureWorks LLC)
• Dr. Bruno De Wilde, Organic Waste Systems (OWS)

Included in the discussion was the standard adopted by USDA for verification of biobased content: ASTM's Standard 6866. The discussion included conversation on how certification and labeling standards apply to intermediates and bioplastics. For additional details see the European BioPlastics Conference Review.