According to a study [1], life science laboratories generate 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. But how can the amount of plastic be reduced? After all, pipette tips cannot be replaced, sterile materials are a must in cell culture to avoid contamination, and the use of plastic materials is convenient and saves time in the hectic daily laboratory routine. But there are now a number of solutions. Based on the 6 R’s (Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, Replace and Rethink), best practice tips and possible solutions for everyday life are presented. Manufacturers of plastic laboratory materials are also aware of the problem and more and more products made from “bioplastics” are appearing on the market. This topic will also be covered in the workshop, as there are major differences here too. Bio-based plastics are made up of different materials that have different environmental impacts and carbon footprints. After the workshop you will be able to classify them better and decide on the most environmentally friendly option.

[1] Urbina, M., Watts, A. & Reardon, E. Labs should cut plastic waste too. Nature 528, 479 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/528479c

Seminar Goals

• Learn about the options for reducing or replacing plastics in the laboratory
• Receive best practice examples that laboratories have already implemented
• Gain background information, data and facts about alternative bio-based plastic materials
• Develop your own ideas to start immediately

Target audience

Laboratory staff and anyone interested in realising savings potential in the laboratory.

 

Workshop Information

• online or on-site
• duration: 3 hours