Chair, BizNGO
Co-Director, Clean Production Action
PO Box 560024
W. Medford, MA
USA 02155
t) +1 781.391.6743
mark@cleanproduction.org
Sustainable Materials
BioSpecs - purchasing specifications for sustainable bioplastics
In 2009, the Business-NGO Working Group and the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative (SBC) released the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Specifications for Compostable Biobased Food Service Ware -- or "BioSpecs." The BioSpecs provides a framework for buyers to assess the sustainability of compostable biobased food service ware products during three stages of their life cycle: (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 evolved from the SBC’s Sustainable Bioplastic Guidelines, HCWH’s Choosing Environmentally Preferable Food Service Ware (.pdf) factsheet, and the Business-NGO Working Group’s cover letter and survey, which was sent to over 30 producers of manufacturers of biobased food service ware products.
The BioSpecs are available on the SBC website,
www.SustainableBiomaterials.org.