Bio This…Bio That

Let’s face it, we’re deep in the era of “bio.”

Bio-Based… Bio-Attributed… Bio-Sourced… BioPreferred…

It’s all over product sheets, sustainability reports, and design presentations. And while this shift toward cleaner, more responsible materials is worth celebrating, the language can get confusing fast. To help you understand what’s behind the label, we’ve broken it down into plain terms.  Because this isn’t a competition. It’s a movement. And it’s evolving.

So, What Does “Bio” Really Mean? Why Does It Matter?

Bio-Sourced

What it Means: “Bio-sourced” is a broad term for anything that starts from a biological origin, such as plants, animals, or microbes. This can include bio-based chemicals, biomass substances (such as cactus fiber or coffee dust), or materials like rayon made from wood pulp.

Key Points:

• Represents progress toward using more renewable, plant-based ingredients.
• The term has a broad, flexible definition and isn’t always backed by testing or certification.
• It can sound eco-friendly, but the actual sustainability impact varies widely.
• Often based on manufacturer claims rather than third-party lab verification.
• Some producers boost bio content by adding natural powders like cactus, coffee dust, plant fibers, or mushrooms to PU foam, which can lower cost but may affect long-term durability, especially Hydrolysis.

Why it Matters to Customers: It’s a starting point. But without verification, it’s just a claim. Ask for specifics.

Bio-Attributed

What it Means: “Bio-attributed” materials are made by replacing a portion of fossil-based ingredients with renewable ones like sugarcane or corn. Although the final product looks and performs just like conventional materials, its renewable origin is built into the system from the beginning. This renewable content isn’t physically detectable in the finished product, but it’s carefully tracked through supplier documentation and internal chain-of-custody systems. That means manufacturers can verify how much of the material came from renewable sources, ensuring transparency from origin to end use.

Key Points:

• Bio-attributed polyurethane is made using at least one renewable ingredient, typically a plant-based chemical like PDO, replacing part of the fossil feedstocks.
• Renewable content is introduced early in the process, helping reduce the product’s overall carbon footprint.
• The final material performs just like conventional PU, with no compromise in durability or quality.
• It supports sustainability goals without requiring major changes to existing manufacturing systems.
• Renewable inputs are tracked through supplier documentation, chain-of-custody systems, and verified certifications. These systems confirm the origin, sourcing, and percentage of plant-based content in the material.
• ASTM D6866 testing can also be used to verify renewable carbon content.
• In PU-coated fabrics, the coating isn’t just bio-attributed PU; it also includes a protective surface finish. The most effective finish is a silicone-PU blend, typically made of 95% bio-attributed PU and 5% silicone for added durability.

Why it Matters to Customers: It allows higher renewable content percentages to be claimed, helping reduce fossil dependency. But understanding the chemistry and sourcing behind these claims is key to evaluating true sustainability and performance.

Bio-Based

What it Means: “Bio-based” materials are made from renewable sources like soy, castor oil, or corn, and they contain biologically derived carbon that remains physically present in the final product. This renewable carbon is measured using ASTM D6866, a trusted third-party lab test that compares plant-based carbon to fossil-based carbon. It’s the gold standard for verifying bio-based content and is widely used to qualify products for USDA BioPreferred labeling and other sustainability programs.

Key Points:

• Verified by ASTM D6866 (lab testing)
• Considered the “gold standard” for documented bio content
• Used to qualify for USDA BioPreferred® labeling

Why it Matters: This is the most transparent and verifiable measure of renewable content. If you want to know exactly how much plant-based material is in your fabric, bio-based content testing is the answer.

BioPreferred

“USDA BioPreferred® is an official federal program designed to promote the purchase of verified bio-based products in both government and private sector markets. Products must meet strict testing and category-specific thresholds to qualify, and if approved, they’re listed in the USDA’s BioPreferred® catalog and can carry the label.

Key Points:

• Requires ASTM D6866 testing and USDA review
• Category-specific thresholds (e.g., 25%+ for coated textiles)
• Recognized label that gives specifiers and buyers confidence
• Approved products can carry the USDA BioPreferred® label and be listed in their catalog

Why it Matters: With the USDA BioPreferred® label, you know the product has been independently tested and approved for renewable content. It’s especially

Let’s Not Get Caught Up in the Numbers

There’s a growing urge to compare: “How much bio content does this product have?”

But the truth is, every step away from petroleum is progress, and every product has a different path. 

Most coated textiles have about 10–20% actual bio-based content. Higher numbers often include bio-sourced or bio-attributed materials. These are valid, sustainable approaches, but because they’re measured by renewable feedstocks in the supply chain rather than in the physical fabric itself, the percentage can appear larger.

Higher bio-based percentages can impact performance. Whether it’s derived from castor oil, corn, or cactus, the blend must be balanced for durability.

Some products also use recycled backings, which can account for 30–55% of the total material, boosting sustainability and contributing to the overall bio content.

What is the ASTM D6866 Test? Why Is It the Benchmark?

ASTM D6866 is the test method used to determine the bio-based content of a material by measuring the amount of modern (renewable) carbon relative to fossil (non-renewable) carbon.

The result is a verified percentage of renewable carbon used to qualify products for USDA BioPreferred, internal sustainability tracking, and third-party certifications.

Understanding the USDA BioPreferred® Label

If you’re working on a project tied to federal funding, like schools or government facilities, USDA BioPreferred status isn’t just helpful; it may be required. Even outside of public contracts, it’s a strong signal that a product meets real, verified sustainability standards. 

To be listed in the USDA BioPreferred Catalog, a product must:
- Pass ASTM D6866 testing to verify renewable content
- Meet category-specific minimums (e.g., 25% for coated fabrics)
- Submit full documentation for USDA approval

Once approved, it earns the USDA BioPreferred label, a mark of trust for specifiers, buyers, and end users.

What You Can Do

Ask smart questions. Where do the materials come from? Are the third-party claims verified?

Ignore the fluff. “Plant-based” or “eco” doesn’t mean much without supporting data.

Look for recognized standards. ASTM D6866 and USDA BioPreferred aren’t just buzz; they’re the real deal.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all bio solution. Sustainability is broader than bio-based content alone. Cleaner manufacturing, solvent-free finishes, recycled yarns, and verified sourcing all play a vital role.

Clearer definitions lead to smarter choices, more compelling storytelling, and products that reflect both innovation and integrity.

Bio-Terms Comparison Chart

For additional information or a pdf of this article contact Roslyn Muney Roslyn@mitchellfauxleathers.com.