New Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specifications Define “Green” for Biobased Food Service Ware

On September 30, 2009, the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative (SBC) and the Business-NGO Working Group released the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specifications for Compostable Biobased Food Service Ware -- or "BioSpecs." The BioSpecs, which have been under development for two years by a coalition of stakeholders, provide a framework for buyers to assess the sustainability of compostable biobased food service products during three life-cycle stages: (1) biomass production, (2) manufacturing, and (3) end of product life. By achieving selected criteria in each stage of the cycle, manufacturers can claim recognition for their products at the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Gold level is reserved for the highest level of performance.

The BioSpecs were available for public comment from January to March 2010. All comments are being considered and addressed by the BioSpecs Technical Advisory Committee. A revised version will be posted on the website soon. 

To beta test or become an early adopter of the BioSpecs, contact Heeral Bhalala, hbhalala@ilsr.org.