A federal law effected in 2002 requires federal agencies to give procurement preference to USDA-designated bio-based products. Therefore, where these products are available, it is now mandatory for federal agencies to purchase these products.
Composed in whole or in significant part of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials, these products are produced from renewable natural resources and are generally more environmentally sensitive than petroleum-based products.
Benefits include protecting our environment, creating new markets for agribusiness, promoting sustainable environmental stewardship and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
A government web site, www.biopreferred.gov, has made it easy for agencies and others interested in bio-based products to find federally designated bio-based products, called BioPreferredSM. Products must meet minimum standards of performance and bio-based content, and go through a rigorous process to be pronounced "designated BioPreferredSM."
Another, even more rigorous, federal product testing tool is the BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) program. BEES looks at the entire life cycle of the product and its environmental impact, as well as requiring minimum performance standards.
Products designated BioPreferredSM and BEES are preferred for Federal procurement.
Go to text of U.S. Code Title 7, Chapter 107,§ 8102. Federal procurement of biobased products.
Go to the BioPreferred web site
(To find the Aterra and Avant products, select "Personal Care", then "Hand Cleaners and Sanitizers.")
Unimed-Midwest, Inc. Bio-Based and BioPreferredSM Products:
Avant Foaming Fragrance Free Instant Hand Sanitizer
Avant Instant Hand Sanitizer
Avant EX Food Grade Hand Sanitizer