USDA features Purell product as BioPreferred

AKRON, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has chosen Purell green certified instant hand sanitizer foam as a featured product for the formal launch of its new BioPreferred label program.

USDA deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan made the announcement Thursday at a biobased product meeting in Glenwillow, Ohio.

The USDA BioPreferred program promotes the purchase of biobased products that help reduce petroleum consumption and adverse environmental and health impacts. It awards labels to qualified products to increase consumer recognition and use, and designates preferred products for federal agencies making purchasing decisions. The new USDA product label indicates products have been independently certified to meet USDA BioPreferred program standards for biobased content.

Purell green certified instant hand sanitizer foam is produced by Gojo Industries and is made with 100% naturally renewable plant-derived ethanol in a readily biodegradable formula. Gojo is 1-of-the-11 companies approved to use the USDA's new product label on certified biobased products.

"We are extremely pleased to be among the first products to attain the USDA's BioPreferred label," stated Nicole Koharik, Gojo global sustainability senior marketing manager. "The distinction furthers our company's sustainability efforts to promote hand hygiene for the well-being of people and the environment."