Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Biobased Materials

In 2011, Clean Production Action partnered with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, American Sustainable Business Council, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell to create the BioSpecs. Here are the details: 

For a comprehensive framework see:

For an application of the Guidelines for Sustainable Bioplastics see:

The BioSpecs provide 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
  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.