W. R. MEADOWS and BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD Achieve USDA BioPreferred® Certification
W. R. MEADOWS, INC. and its subsidiary, BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC., are proud to announce that several of their products have achieved third-party verified biobased content certification, meeting the strict criteria of the USDA BioPreferred® Program. This initiative supports the use of renewable agricultural resources to reduce dependence on petroleum-based chemicals.
The USDA BioPreferred Program: A Commitment to Sustainability
The USDA BioPreferred® Program, created under the 2002 Farm Bill and strengthened in 2018, is designed to promote the use of biobased products. This program not only encourages eco-friendly choices but also supports job creation and economic growth. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is a beacon for environmentally conscious consumers, symbolizing a product’s contribution to sustainability.
Biobased Certified Products
W. R. MEADOWS products:
- 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)
BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD products:
- 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)
The Importance of ASTM D6866-22 Standards
The USDA BioPreferred certification is based on ASTM D6866-22, a standard that determines the biobased content of products. This ensures that these products meet federal sustainability requirements and provide valuable information about their renewable material content. While “biobased” refers to products made from renewable resources, it does not necessarily mean they are biodegradable or compostable, but it represents a step toward environmentally responsible materials.
The Economic and Environmental Impact of Biobased Products
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 Commitment to a Sustainable Future
W. R. MEADOWS’ achievement in obtaining USDA Certified Biobased Product labels demonstrates their dedication to sustainability. By prioritizing biobased content, the company exceeds federal mandates and leads by example in promoting eco-friendly innovation. Customers and partners are invited to join W. R. MEADOWS and BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD in building a greener future, one biobased product at a time.

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