Broad commitments to sustainability in the laboratory are no longer sufficient, as lab leaders are searching for product-level accountability. Here, we identify some products and manufacturers that offer emerging innovations to address some of the most significant environmental challenges in labs today.
Agilent: 1290 Infinity III LC System
This LC (liquid chromatography) system incorporates technologies to reduce solvent consumption (one of the largest environmental drivers in chromatography) and features a modular design that supports repair, upgrades, and take-back programs. It is also manufactured in ISO 14001-certified facilities, reflecting upstream improvements in water use and waste management.
What to consider: The system is ACT-labeled and independently audited, providing verified lifecycle data. It is also the inaugural winner of the Sustainable Lab Product Innovation Award jointly presented by My Green Lab® and Lab Manager. However, solvent use remains a significant consideration with all LC systems, and sustainability gains depend on system configuration and operation.
Erlab: Ductless fume hood systems
Erlab’s ductless systems use carbon and HEPA filtration to capture contaminants without requiring external ducting, significantly reducing energy demand. These systems include application-specific filters and real-time monitoring of filter saturation. They also enable flexible lab design and easier retrofits.
What to consider: Energy-saving potential is sound, and carbon filtration is an established technology. It should be noted that ductless systems are not suitable for all applications, specifically those with unknown or highly toxic chemical mixtures
Pulp Fixin: Fiber-based alternatives to plastic consumables
Pulp Fixin is tackling the persistent problem of plastic waste from polypropylene and polycarbonate consumables with pulp-based racks, cryoboxes, and cold-chain packaging. These products are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable, and serve as direct replacements that integrate with existing automation systems like liquid handlers and barcode readers. They also meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute)/SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) standards and are validated for cryogenic conditions down to -196°C with a moisture-resistant coating (FutureFilm™).
What to consider: Pulp Fixin reports compliance with automation standards and cryogenic stability, but independent third-party validation is limited, and there are currently no ACT-labeled products. Pulp Fixin is an emerging innovator but not yet a fully validated sustainability leader.
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Intelsius GreenTherm: Cold chain packaging
The GreenTherm shipper replaces EPS (polystyrene) used for cold chain shipping with paper-based, fully recyclable insulation made with over 70 percent recycled materials. It is designed for transporting biological samples and pharmaceuticals, maintains ≤ -20°C for over 96 hours, meets UN3373 requirements, and is qualified to ISTA 7D performance standards. This system offers a shift toward single-stream recyclability.
What to consider: GreenTherm demonstrates strong industry-standard validation (ISTA 7D, thermal performance) and a recyclable material design. However, reliance on local recycling infrastructure may limit its impact. It is also not yet fully third-party validated.
Stirling Ultracold: Ultra-low temperature storage
Stirling Ultracold offers a free-piston Stirling engine that replaces conventional compressor-based systems. It can reduce energy consumption by approximately 70 percent compared to older models and eliminates high global warming potential refrigerants. Typical energy use ranges from 5.8-9 kWh/day, depending on model and use conditions, which is at the low end of ULT performance.
What to consider: Independent and institutional data support consistently low-energy usage, but it may not necessarily be the “most efficient” option, as newer compressor-based systems are closing the gap. However, the technology aligns strongly with ACT priorities around energy reduction.
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Vacuubrand: Oil-free vacuum systems
Vacuubrand’s Vario systems are designed with oil-free diaphragm pumps and electronic vacuum control, which eliminates the need for oil disposal and reduces water use from aspirators. The system also dynamically adjusts vacuum levels to improve efficiency and process time.
What to consider: The water savings and elimination of hazardous waste are well-documented. Energy savings, however, are more modest, and the systems are not suitable for high-vacuum applications.
Miele Professional: Glassware washers
Glassware washers support a shift from single-use plastics by enabling labware to be reused. Features such as load sensing, eco cycles, and optimized rack systems can reduce water and energy consumption during each cycle while maintaining validated, reproducible cleaning that is critical for regulated environments.
What to consider: These washers reduce resource use and support plastic-reduction strategies, especially compared with manual washing or older systems. However, washers remain resource-intensive.
How to identify sustainable vendors
Evaluating vendors can be challenging, as claims can vary widely in the quality of verification and degree of evidence. The following checklist can help lab leaders distinguish between meaningful progress and marketing claims:
- Third-party verification: prioritize ACT labels or equivalent independent audits
- Lifecycle impact: consider energy, water, materials, packaging, and end-of-life
- Performance parity: sustainable options should not disrupt or compromise workflows
- Scrutinize claims: distinguish between modeled projections and real-world validated data
- Infrastructure limitations: recycling and reuse claims may depend on local systems and implementation
- High-impact categories: energy-intensive equipment, plastics, and cold chain logistics can have the biggest impact on sustainability
