New Label, Green Fairs Feature Soy-Based Products

Soy can replace petroleum-based chemicals in many products, and now soy-based products can feature a new label making it easier for consumers to identify products made from renewable resources.

Manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, including soy-based products, may apply for a new biobased label from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) BioPreferred program.

Earlier this year, USDA launched the new labeling initiative. Under the voluntary labeling program, biobased product manufacturers and distributors will be able to affix a USDA Certified Biobased Product label on qualifying products. The label indicates the product meets or exceeds the 25 percent of renewable carbon content required for product certification.

Through mid-August, USDA certified 586 products from 130 different companies, many of which feature soy-based products, to carry the label. Look for BioPreferred-certified products in hardware, farm supply and other retail outlets near you.

Another opportunity for soy-based products continues this summer and fall as the soybean checkoff’s Green Ribbon Fairs program will introduce millions of fair attendees to the benefits of soy-based products at 11 state, county and regional fairs. The fairs will promote the use of soy products to attendees and expect a total of 2.6 million people.

The United Soybean Board (USB) will reimburse the fairs for using soy-based products as part of fair operations, activities or facilities improvements.

Some of the soy-based products used at the fairs include dust suppressants, paint, insulation and cleaning products, plus soy biodiesel to operate carnival rides, trolleys and tractor pulls. These products help support U.S. agriculture and provide a green alternative to petroleum-based products.

Industry, farmers and consumers can use the online Soy Products Guide to browse hundreds of commercially available soy-based products as well as find purchasing information. The checkoff provided funding for research and development behind many of the soy-based industrial and consumer products on the market today. Thanks in part to this funding, industrial use of U.S. soy has jumped 50 percent since 2006.