Welcome to the Plant Based Products Council Newsletter!
In this edition, explore the latest PBPC news, activities, and groundbreaking innovations in the sustainability and bioeconomy sectors. Stay informed on current trends, updates, and exciting developments shaping our future.
Missed our last issue? Read the Aug. 7 newsletter here. Know someone interested in our industry? Encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
Help Shape PBPC’s Policy Priorities
Where can PBPC’s advocacy make the biggest difference for the plant-based products industry? What policy debates matter most to your organization? We want to hear from you!
We are asking stakeholders to complete a short Policy Priorities Survey by Sept. 18 to shape our future federal policy agenda. The survey covers opportunities to build demand for plant-based products, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, address regulatory barriers, support research and innovation, and more. Your input will help PBPC staff focus resources on the issues that matter most to organizations throughout the plant-based product value chain.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Survey participants who include their email address will be entered for a chance to win a complimentary registration to PBPC’s Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit next spring.
Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard! We hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your perspective.
House Ag to Host Hearing With Demand Focus
The House Agriculture Committee is set to convene a hearing that will focus on growing demand for U.S. agriculture, including through growth in the American ag bioeconomy.
The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, will feature discussion on “Increasing Demand and Opportunities for Homegrown Products Here and Abroad.” PBPC anticipates the discussion will include several of the organization’s priorities, including the need for certainty on key policy priorities included in the House-passed Farm Bill, including extension and modernization of USDA’s BioPreferred Program, uniform bioeconomy terminology, recognition of the bioeconomy in government classification data, and the Section 9003 loan program.
PBPC Members Active at Bio Innovations Conference
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck and a host of PBPC members were in attendance at the Bio Innovations North America conference this week in Omaha, speaking on panels and networking with other industry leaders.
PBPC Calls for Bioeconomy-Specific NAICS Code Revisions
PBPC recently expressed its thoughts on Trump Administration efforts that could have major implications for data collection in the ag bioeconomy.
Every five years, the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC) makes updates to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), a classification system designed to track economic activity across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
As America’s bioeconomy continues to grow, PBPC has been a strong advocate of a NAICS update that would establish classifications to better reflect renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturers. As part of the current review process, PBPC submitted comments to the ECPC to emphasize how dedicated NAICS classifications would help policymakers and industry better identify opportunities for future investments and strengthen American biomanufacturing leadership. PBPC also worked with a coalition of aligned stakeholders, including National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, North American State Departments of Agriculture, and National Oilseed Processors Associations to submit comments. In addition, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck recently met with ECPC Co-Chair Vincent Russo to outline the longstanding bipartisan support from Congress, the executive branch, and industry groups like PBPC.
Want to learn more? Read our blog on PBPC’s NAICS leadership here, and PBPC’s full comments to ECPC here.
Get Involved: Tell the Senate to Pass the Farm Bill for a Stronger Bioeconomy
The Senate will soon reconvene after its five-week August recess, picking up various legislative items it has under consideration before the end of the year. Among these is the Farm Bill, an important piece of legislation governing many programs to grow the ag bioeconomy from field to factory and beyond, which is still awaiting passage by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Thanks to the advocacy of PBPC and our members, the Senate Farm Bill includes several key priorities for the biobased products industry, including provisions to define biobased product terminology, strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, and reauthorize a critical grant program that helps bring biorefinery and renewable chemical projects to commercial scale.
Tell your Senators to quickly advance the Farm Bill and protect the biobased priorities that strengthen American agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation.
House Panel Advances Packaging Legislation
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade recently advanced two bills addressing environmental claims for packaging and other products.
The Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025 (H.R. 6832) would create a national framework for voluntary recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer product packaging. Covered claims would need to meet federal requirements and receive independent third-party certification, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) responsible for guidance and enforcement.
The Recycled Materials Attribution Act (H.R. 7502) would establish uniform national standards for recycled-content marketing and recycling claims. It would also direct the FTC to update its Green Guides to reflect the new standards.
Both bills as amended were reported favorably to the full committee by a voice vote. PBPC will continue tracking both pieces of legislation and their potential implications for plant-based products and packaging as they move to the full committee for consideration.
Have You Used Your Plant-Based Passport?
Didn’t get a chance to use PBPC’s Plant-Based Passport yet this summer? Don’t worry! Even as summer travel winds down, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the growing ag bioeconomy wherever you are.
Made with 100% biobased materials, the passport includes a guide to categories of everyday products made from plant-based feedstocks. From clothing and personal care products to school supplies, cleaning products, and food-service items, plant-based innovation may be part of your back-to-school routine in more ways than you realize.
Download your own digital Plant-Based Passport and share what you find using #DCPlantBasedPassport, whether you’re taking one last summer trip or browsing the aisles during back-to-school shopping.
PBPC Celebrates New USDA Rural Development Leadership
The Senate has confirmed Glen Smith to be Under Secretary of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, Smith will oversee programs that support businesses, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in rural America, including key programs that help grow the ag bioeconomy like USDA’s BioPreferred Program and the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Program.
PBPC Executive Director James Glueck issued the following statement celebrating Smith’s confirmation:
“PBPC is excited to see Glen Smith in the position to provide strong, steady leadership for critical work for the future of the American ag bioeconomy,” said Glueck. “Smith’s strong financial background and understanding of the needs of rural America will be beneficial as he leads Rural Development’s vast mission area. We are eager to partner with him and the rest of the department to advance a robust future for America’s plant-based products industry, which stands to benefit farmers, rural communities, and innovators across the country.
“PBPC offers our sincere thanks to Chairman Boozman, Leader Thune, and the other Senate champions who were instrumental in securing Smith’s confirmation.”
PBPC MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Not a PBPC member yet, but want to learn more?
All PBPC members receive a variety of benefits that provide their organization with a voice in Washington while helping them stay up to date on the latest policy developments, communicate with their audiences, access valuable insights, and more. Read about PBPC’s impact on the industry in our 2025 Annual Report. Tiered membership levels are available to fit the needs of any member of the plant-based products supply chain. Visit our website or reach out to PBPC’s Keniece Barbee to learn more.
PLANT-BASED INNOVATIONS
Almost every day we see new developments in the plant-based products space. Learn more about what’s ahead for circular innovations.
- Packaging Insights: Mycelium Composites Outperform EPS in Protective Packaging Tests
- Phys.org: How ‘Smart’ Hydrogel Packaging Tells You if Your Food is Still Fresh
- Plastics Today: Mitsui Chemicals Invests in AI-Driven Bioplastics Startup
- World Bio Market Insights: Bamboo bioplastics rivals conventional plastic
- TotalEnergies: ReBioCycle demonstrates closed-loop recycling of PLA bioplastics from mixed plastic waste
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS & TRENDS
As more consumers seek environmentally friendly products, brands are adapting to meet these demands by offering more sustainable solutions. Here are some of the top stories covering these trends and providing insights on the latest industry news.
- CalMatters: As California Demands Less Plastic in Packaging, Manufacturers Say You’ll Pay More for Stuff
- Packaging Dive: It’s Here: EU PPWR Requirements Begin to Phase In
- Packaging Digest: The Dirt on Compostable Packaging
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
As Congress and the Trump Administration look towards midterm elections later this year, the sustainability landscape continues to evolve. Read more about the latest developments.
- Agri-Pulse: Senate Confirms Smith as USDA Rural Development Undersecretary
- Brownfield Ag News: Farm Bill Effort Stalls in Committee Over SNAP Funding Dispute
- Packaging Dive: Truth in Labeling Act Introduced in Congress
- Recycling Today: Recycling Bills Clear House Subcommittee
PBPC MEMBER NEWS
The dedicated work of our members toward a more sustainable future never ceases to amaze us. From setting sweeping environmental commitments to partnering with others to make sustainable solutions more accessible, to launching new plant-based materials. Below, find some of the impressive work of our members over the last few weeks.
- Associated Press: Traditional Plastic Forks Shed Harmful Microplastics. Plastic Created from Sugar is an Alternative.
- Plastics Today: BASF Cuts Carbon Footprint for Plastics Processors
- Sustainability Magazine: ADM’s Aim for Five Million Acres of Regenerative Agriculture
The post PBPC Newsletter September 11, 2026 appeared first on Plant Based Products Council.
