Elevating Sustainability: Biobased Content Verified Products at W. R. MEADOWS & BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD

In a world increasingly attuned to the ecological footprint of our industries, W. R. MEADOWS, INC., and our esteemed subsidiary, BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC., are proud to announce several of our products now boast third-party verified biobased content, complying with the stringent criteria set by the USDA’s BioPreferred_® Program.

The Heart of Biobased Innovation: The USDA BioPreferred Program

The BioPreferred Program, initiated by the USDA under the 2002 Farm Bill and rejuvenated with the 2018 Farm Bill, is more than a policy—it’s a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. This program is designed to increase the purchase and use of biobased products, utilizing renewable agricultural resources to foster new jobs and stimulate economic growth. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label, a hallmark of this initiative, signifies a product’s contribution to reducing our dependence on non-renewable, petroleum-based chemicals.

This label serves as a beacon for eco-conscious consumers, guiding them towards products supporting renewable commodity demand. It’s not just a label; it’s a symbol of our commitment to making a difference.

Find a listing of our products and others with biobased content here.

For more information about the program, go to biopreferred.gov.

Our Contributions to a Sustainable Future

The ASTM D6866-22 standard plays a crucial role in this certification process, providing a method to accurately determine the biobased content of products. This standard ensures our products are not only compliant with federal purchasing requirements but also aligned with sustainability goals. Products tested against the ASTM D6866-22 standards provide useful information to consumers about the biobased content of the product. Our efforts have culminated in the following achievements:

W. R. MEADOWS, INC.

• FIBRE EXPANSION JOINT, 59% USDA Certified Biobased content.
• CORK EXPANSION JOINT, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content.
• SELF-EXPANDING CORK EXPANSION JOINT, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content.
  Note: FP doesn’t have a designated category for these Expansion Joint products at this time.

BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC. (*Exceeds Mandatory Federal Purchasing (FP) requirements.)

• PREMIUM INSULATING SHEATHING*, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content
• SOUNDSTOP*, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content
• STRUCTODEK HD, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content
• CANT STRIP, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content
• TAPERED EDGE, 100% USDA Certified Biobased content
  Note: FP doesn’t have a designated category for STRUCTODEK category at this time.

Delving Deeper: What Does Biobased Mean for Us and You?

The term “biobased” signifies a product’s derivation from renewable sources, such as plants or animals, rather than fossil fuels. This distinction is crucial in our collective quest to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. By focusing on biobased content, we not only meet or exceed federal requirements but also lead by example in the industry’s shift towards environmentally responsible practices.

Biobased products, as defined by the USDA, showcase a product’s renewable content, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. It’s important to note that “biobased” does not automatically imply biodegradability or compostability, but it does mark a significant step towards utilizing natural, renewable resources.

The Economic and Environmental Impact: Why It Matters

Transitioning to biobased materials isn’t merely an environmental stance; it’s a strategic economic move. The value added contribution of biobased products to the U.S. economy grew even through the pandemic, from $464 billion in 2020 to $489 billion in 2021—an increase of $25 billion or 5.1%. The biobased products sector and the jobs it supports are shown to impact every state in the nation and are not confined to states where agriculture is the main industry. Moreover, the sustainable benefits of biobased materials—such as CO₂ absorption, the use of renewable resources, and the potential for becoming climate-neutral—underscore the profound impact of this shift on both the economy and the environment. You can read more in the USDA’s most recent report, An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry, here.

A Call to Build a Sustainable Tomorrow

Our achievement in obtaining USDA Certified Biobased Product labels for multiple products is a proud moment for us, but is also not a stopping point. It’s a declaration of our commitment to not just meeting but exceeding environmental standards. By prioritizing biobased content, we’re not only ensuring compliance with federal mandates but also championing a sustainable future.

We invite you, our valued customers and partners, to join us in this vital movement towards sustainability. Together, we can make a difference, one biobased product at a time. Let’s build a more sustainable world for future generations, grounded in innovation, responsibility, and a deep respect for our planet.

At W. R. MEADOWS, INC. and BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC., we’re not just building materials; we’re building a legacy of environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation. Join us on this journey towards a greener future, where every choice and every product makes a world of difference.

Kimberly Ann Lombardozzi, LEED IDC, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador

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