Microban odor-control additives for textiles earn USDA certified biobased label
Last update on Jun 1, 2026
Formulators developing odor-control finishes for active, outdoor, uniform, and performance fabrics, including polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, nonwovens and polypropylene blends can now evaluate two newly USDA-certified Microban EcoFresh grades, ER1000 and EH1000.
According to Microban, the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label was administered through the USDA BioPreferred Program, which verifies the share of a product derived from renewable feedstocks.
Reduce odor integration and repel smoke-related odorants
The label reports biobased content as a percentage: ER1000 is certified at 62% biobased content and EH1000 at 43%. The percentage reflects feedstock origin; it is a content measure and does not by itself indicate odor-control performance or regulatory status.
The two grades address different process needs. Per the supplier, EH1000 is compatible with wicking aids, while ER1000 is compatible with durable water repellents and customer-added binders, allowing formulators to match the grade to end-use requirements. Both are water-based and nonionic.
Microban reports that the technology reduces odorant integration within and on treated materials and repels smoke-related odorants, including campfire and cigarette smoke, as well as sweat, foot, and body odors. The supplier also states that the additive preserves the hand, breathability, and performance properties of the base textile.
On process integration, the supplier indicates the grades are compatible with conventional exhaust, padding, and spray applications and require no additional process steps. Microban reports compatibility across polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, nonwovens, and polypropylene blends.
EcoFresh is also bluesign® APPROVED. Both certifications, USDA biobased content and bluesign, relate to feedstock origin and manufacturing criteria rather than finished-textile odor performance, which formulators will want to validate against their own application conditions.
“EcoFresh obtaining the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label marks our goal for safer chemistry and reduced environmental impact across the supply chain,” said Ryan Scott, senior product development chemist at Microban. “This certification provides our current and future partners with confidence to support their sustainability goals.”
“We applaud Microban International for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label," said Vernell Thompson, USDA BioPreferred Program. "The label is intended to help spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. But the label 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, Microban International 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."