Lab Matters Fall 2025 | Page 15

INDUSTRY MATTERS

Promega employees from across departments collaborated to launch an internal plastic film recycling program that now diverts 35,000 pounds of waste annually— demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into lab support systems from the ground up. Photo: Promega.

removed over 139,000 square meters of shrink wrap by shifting some product lines to ambient shipping. Packaging redesigns using fewer materials helps with improving shipping efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions across the product life cycle.

One standout example came from within Promega’ s own operations. When employees noticed plastic film from sterile packaging was being discarded, they launched a pilot program to collect and recycle it. That program grew into a full-scale effort and, in 2024, Promega installed a high-capacity baler at its logistics hub to compress and recycle plastic film. The result: 35,000 pounds of plastic diverted annually from landfills— driven entirely by internal employee collaboration.

These efforts demonstrate that impactful sustainability solutions can be driven from the ground up, proving that practical changes at the operational level can lead to meaningful and measurable results.

Procurement Strategies That Support Compliance and Impact

Procurement is proving to be one of the most effective ways to embed sustainability into laboratory operations. In late 2024, the EPA recommended the use of the ACT Environmental Impact Factor Label— developed by My Green Lab— as a tool for product selection. This labeling framework evaluates products based on emissions, energy use, packaging and end-of-life disposal, offering greater transparency into their environmental impacts.

As part of this movement, Promega is piloting ACT labeling to better assess and communicate the sustainability profile of its products. This effort aligns with broader goals of transparency and sustainability in laboratory operations. One of Promega’ s research facilities has also earned Platinum-level My Green Lab Certification, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable laboratory practices. In addition, a dedicated Green Chemistry Team at Promega continually evaluates materials and processes to reduce solvent use, hazardous waste and emissions.

These measures support public health laboratories seeking to meet internal sustainability goals, comply with state procurement guidelines and improve transparency in vendor relationships.

Resilient Labs, Stronger Communities

Sustainability is not a separate initiative in public health laboratories— it is integral to how they effectively operate and deliver impact. By reducing emissions, cutting waste or making greener procurement choices, these efforts strengthen the systems laboratories rely on every day: infrastructure, workflows, supply chains and community trust.

Suppliers like Promega are committed to contributing by embedding sustainability into operations, product design and partnerships. Together with public health laboratories, we are building systems and processes that are not only more environmentally responsible— but also more efficient, adaptive and ready for the future. g