WestRock's FENIX Bio Locking Tag Earns USDA Certified Biobased Product Label

WestRock's FENIX™ Bio Locking Tag represents a renewable alternative to petroleum-based products, using up to 88% fewer fossil fuel-based plastics than traditional plastic options.

April 15, 2024 - WestRock announced today that its FENIX™ Bio Locking Tag has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label.

The FENIX™ Bio Locking Tag represents a renewable alternative to petroleum-based products, using up to 88% fewer fossil fuel-based plastics than traditional plastic options. These plant-based horticulture tags enable WestRock customers to achieve plastic-reduction goals while ensuring critical functionality in greenhouse, nursery and retail environments.

"WestRock is very proud to receive a certification from the USDA recognizing the role our products play in ensuring a more sustainable future," said Sam Shoemaker, president of Consumer Packaging at WestRock. "Our teams are committed to pioneering technological advances and innovative product solutions to help our customers reach their sustainability goals."

The FENIX Bio Locking Tag is approved to display a unique USDA label that highlights its biobased content. Third-party verification for a product's biobased content is administered through the USDA's BioPreferred© Program, which strives to increase the development, purchase and use of biobased products.

According to WestRock, biobased products such as the FENIX Bio Locking Tag are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as, or better than, their conventional counterparts.

"We applaud WestRock for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label," said Vernell Thompson, procurement analyst at USDA BioPreferred© Program. "The label is intended to help spur economic development, create new jobs, and provide new markets for farm commodities. It also makes it easier for consumers and federal buyers to locate biobased products and consider planet-friendlier options during purchase decisions. By having their products become USDA Certified Biobased, WestRock joins an expanding list of businesses combatting inaccurate marketing claims and the practice of greenwashing, while also contributing to a thriving bioeconomy that decreases our reliance on petroleum."

In the latest Economic Impact Report released by USDA, biobased products have been noted to result in a substantial environmental impact, displacing about 9.4 million barrels of oil a year, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with its customers to provide differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

SOURCE: WestRock Company