TENCEL®, one of Lenzing’s botanic fibers made from natural raw material wood, has earned the right to bear the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) biobased product label, showing potential customers that the cellulose-based fiber meets the requirement of the government’s new BioPreferred program.

The overall purpose of the USDA BioPreferred program is to promote the increased purchase and use of biobased products and is expected to promote economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities in the US. It is also intended to reduce petroleum consumption, increase the use of renewable resources and better manage the carbon cycle. Thus, it may contribute to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts.

The award means that Lenzing, global leader in high-quality man-made cellulose fiber production, can now use the 100% Biobased label on all of its TENCEL® products. In February, President Obama signed a memo requiring the federal government to give preference to biobased products when making purchasing decisions. All biobased amount claims are verified by independent labs and monitored by the USDA so consumers can feel secure in the accuracy of the biobased amount being reported.

“The biobased label is the latest in a series of third party certifications that Lenzing has received during the last several years,” says Nick Hrinko, marketing director US of Lenzing. “This certification helps the entire nonwovens supply chain with their choice for certified products as well as to provide the consumer with the assurance that the USDA and other federal agencies stand behind the accuracy of the label claim. Additionally, this certification is expected to increase domestic demand for renewable resources. Lenzing is proud of this third party certification as it is evidence of our continued endeavor and commitment to sustainability.”