The AbilityOne® Program is proud to promote sustainability practices by using environmentally responsible materials in many of its products. The guide to environmental symbols, listed below, will help you find products that meet your environmental purchasing goals. Where available, a link to the associated attributes landing page has been included. For a list of AbilityOne Program products that meet at least one federal requirement, click here.
Guide to Environmental Symbols
AgiON
Identifies products that release antimicrobial components only when conditions for bacteria growth are present.
Identifies products made using renewable, domestic agricultural materials.
Identifies products designed to compost quickly, completely, and safely, without leaving residues.
BPA Free
Identifies products free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical which has been linked to adverse health effects in humans.
Identifies products that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements.
Identifies products, services, and packaging certified as having reduced environmental impact.
Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF)
Identifies products made without elemental chlorine, thus reducing the level of carcinogenic toxins released into the environment.
Environmentally Friendly Packaging (EFP)
Identifies products with packaging made using recycled content.
Identifies products that are Energy Star Certified. Products must meet the energy efficiency requirements set forth in Energy Star product specifications.
Identifies products meeting recommended minimum recycled content levels for post-consumer and/or total recovered materials as determined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines.
Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP)
Identifies products with a lessened or reduced effect on human health and the environment.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Identifies the use of forest products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from responsibly harvested and verified sources.
Green Leaf VOC Certified
Identifies products that have been independently tested and found to conform to multiple existing environmental regulations, such as PoHS laws, REACH and Evo Design requirements through one mark rather than multiple markets.
Identifies products meeting all requirements for Green Seal Certifications, which contain performance, health, and sustainability criteria.
Identifies products that are designed for use in indoor spaces and meets chemical emissions limits.
Process Chlorine Free (PCF)
Identifies products made using no chlorine or chlorine derivatives in the recycling process.
PRIME
Identifies products that comply with the Plastics Removal in the Marine Environment (PRIME) program.
USDA Biobased FP (Federal Procurement Preference)
Identifies certified biobased products designated for mandatory federal purchase as part of the BioPreferred® Program.
Identifies certified biobased products not currently identified for preferred federal purchase.