BioSolar receives USDA BioPreferred product label enabling potential high volume sales to government entities

SANTA CLARITA, USA: BioSolar Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, reported that the company’s recent application for USDA’s BioPreferred Product Label had been approved on June 17, 2011. USDA’s BioPreferred program designates categories of biobased products that are preferred by Federal agencies when making purchasing decisions.

BioPreferred certification of semi-durable films requires a minimum certified Bio-percentage of 45 percent. The BioBacksheet test samples received the highest possible rating of 95 percent based on its extensive and innovative use of renewable bio-materials.

"This is a very significant development for BioSolar. USDA’s BioPreferred certification will be particularly important for our intended sales to government entities,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO.

According to a USDA website, the purpose of the USDA BioPreferred program is to promote the increased purchase and use of biobased products. To the extent that the BioPreferred program achieves its purpose, the increased purchase of biobased products may be expected to reduce petroleum consumption, increase the use of renewable resources, better manage the carbon cycle, and, may contribute to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. The program is also expected to promote economic development, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farm commodities.

USDA BioPreferred program has two major initiatives: USDA certifies and awards labels to qualifying products to increase consumer recognition of biobased products. Secondly, USDA designates categories of biobased products that are afforded preference by Federal agencies when making purchasing decisions.

In order to get the BioPreferred certification from the USDA, the company’s BioBacksheet had to be analyzed by Beta Analytical Inc., the only test laboratory authorized by the USDA to perform ASTM-D6866-11, which is a test for renewable content of a material. Simply speaking, the test determines the age of the various parts of the carbon content of the test material. Since the renewable carbon is much younger than the fossil carbon, it is possible to determine the percentage of biobased contents.

As part of the company’s government sales and marketing plan, the company will be exhibiting with Rowland Technologies, its manufacturing partner, at GOVgreen Conference to be held at Washington DC later this year. GOVgreen is intended to be the marketplace for government purchase decision makers looking for green solutions.