The invention relates in general to biomass derived compositions and methods of applying such biomass derived compositions to protect polymeric materials from degradation due to ultraviolet ("UV") radiation or light and weathering. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of cotton gin waste to protect polymeric composites from degradation due to UV radiation and weathering. One embodiment of the present invention includes dusting the surface of liquid polymeric materials with a cotton gin waste powder to protect the polymeric material from UV radiation induced damage.