The need for environmentally friendly solutions
In life science laboratories, where precision and purity are paramount, the demand for environmentally friendly solutions has reached unprecedented levels. Laboratories are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their activities, particularly the growing demand for plastic consumables, which is not resource-friendly. To enhance sustainability, future laboratory consumables made from plastic must be manufactured using renewable or recycled raw materials.
Eppendorf’s commitment to sustainability
Eppendorf has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, particularly in transitioning laboratory consumables to biobased raw materials since 2022. Additionally, recycled materials, known as recyclates, show significant potential for parts of products that do not come into direct contact with samples. These recyclates are re-used plastics made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), discarded by households or businesses and repurposed to manufacture new products.
Utilizing post consumer recyclate (PCR)
Brigitte Klose, Global Marketing Manager for Consumables at Eppendorf SE, highlights the use of “Post Consumer Recyclate (PCR)” for disposable racks for pipette tips. This PCR, sourced exclusively from leftover materials during the contact lens manufacturing process, ensures the purity and integrity required for laboratory consumables. Eppendorf ensures traceability and compliance with EN 15343:2007 by requesting documentation from suppliers.
Transition to recyclates for consumable containers
Since late May, Eppendorf has begun transitioning to recyclates for containers that enclose consumables. This transition initially applies to racks for single-use pipette tips, essential for sterile laboratory work. These racks, previously made from highly pure fossil-based polypropylene, are now manufactured from recyclates, conserving limited fossil fuel resources. This shift is expected to save over 166 tons of CO2 annually.
Maintaining quality and purity
The change to polypropylene recyclate for manufacturing racks will not affect the purity, sterility, or stability of epT.I.P.S.® pipette tips in single-use racks. Customers can switch seamlessly without any loss of quality, as confirmed by lot-specific quality certificates.
By adopting these sustainable practices, Eppendorf not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that high standards of laboratory consumables are maintained.
This article is a summary of a published press release
