From auto parts to apparel to construction and building materials to electronics, many of the products we use and rely on every day can be made from plants. Take a look through our extensive collection of examples and see how you can incorporate more plant-based products into your daily routine to support the circular bioeconomy.

Are you looking for specific plant-based products you can purchase now to help reduce your carbon footprint and improve sustainability in your business or home? For an extensive list of products with links to the manufacturers websites, please see USDA’s BioPreferred Catalog.

How many products can be made with plants?

Agriculture

  • Agricultural spray adjuvants
  • Animal habitat care, medical & health products
  • Compost activators and accelerators
  • Dethatchers
  • Fertilizers
  • Films (see Packaging)
  • Greases/lubricants
  • Pest control - fungal, weeds, insects
  • Plant washes
  • Product packaging (see Packaging)
  • Rope and twine
  • Soil amendments
  • Soil biodegradable mulch film
  • Filters
  • Food cleaners
  • Apparel

    • Clothes made from organic cotton
    • Utility gloves (for protection in construction or industrial work)
    • Fabric dyes
    • Fabric stain preventers and protectors
    • Biobased fabrics
      • Virent: Bio-polyester shirts
      • NatureWorks’ Ingeo PLA is used in apparel and other fabric applications

    Baby and Kids

    • Diapers
    • Pacifiers (natural rubber tree)
    • Non-plastic toys (see Toys and Games)
    • Accessories for eating (cutlery, plates, suction cups) 

    Cleaning Supplies

    • Carpet and upholstery cleaners
    • Dishwashing detergent
    • Laundry detergent
    • Floor cleaners
    • Air fresheners, deodorizers
    • Microbial cleaning products - drain maintenance
    • Water and wastewater treatment chemicals
    • pH Neutralizing products
    •  Aircraft, car, boat cleaners

    Construction and Building Materials

    • Adhesives
    • Lumber, millwork, underlayment, engineered wood products
    • Masonry blocks
    • Paving blocks
    • Insulation materials: foam spray, etc.
    • Surface guards: molding, trims
    • Composite panels
    • Exterior paints
    • Coatings
    • Surface fillers
    • Erosion control materials
    • Epoxy systems
    • Fire retardants
    • Floor finishes and waxes
    • Furnace filters
    • Entry mats
    • Graffiti removers
    • Concrete release agents
    • Paints

    Electronics

    Food Serviceware

    Furniture

    • Composite materials
    • Lumber, millwork, engineered wood products
    • Wood sealers
    •  Furniture cleaners and protectors

    Motor Vehicles

    • Chain and cable lubricants
    • Diesel fuel additives
    • Gasoline fuel additives
    • Engine crankcase oil
    • Fuel conditioners
    • Gear lubricants
    • Safety equipment (goggles, ear plugs)
    • Auto body parts (doors, hood, dashboard)
    • Seat cushions

    Household Supplies

    • Bedding, bed linens
    • Towels
    • Candles, wax melts
    • Carpets
    • Firelogs and fire starters
    • Gardening supplies and accessories
    • Glass cleaners
    • Oven and grill cleaners
    • Shopping and trash bags

    Office Supplies

    • Folders and filing products
    • Inks (printer toner)
    • Ink remover
    • Writing utensils/pens
    • Binders
    • Paper
    • Clasps
    • Fasteners
    • Rings
    • Document covers
    • White board cleaner
    • Product packaging (see Packaging)
    • 3D printing filament

    Packaging

    Personal Care

    • Allergy and sinus relievers
    • Body washes
    • Cleansing lotions
    • Cosmetics
      • P2 Science: renewable liquid polymers for cosmetics, personal care, fragrances
    • Cuts, burns, and abrasions ointments
    • Disinfectants
    • Body powders
    • Deodorants
    • Facial care products
    • Feminine care products
    • Hair care and styling products
    • Hand sanitizers
    • Lotions, moisturizers
    • Medical supplies
    • Perfume
    • Sunscreen (child-safe)

    Toys & Games

    • Art supplies: Solid and liquid media used for drawing, painting, sculpting, and other artistic forms. Ex: chalk, pencils, markers, pastels, paint, brushes
    • Playground and athletic surface materials (for safety and aesthetic purposes, e.g. rubberized pellets, artificial turf)
    • Toys and sporting gear: balls, bats, racquets, nets, bicycle seats