We recognise that determining the sustainability of the products you bring into the lab is a difficult and often complex process. There are currently many different approaches on how more sustainable products are marketed, and it is often easy to embrace ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ icons or narratives. But you can often be faced with the question of how or why they deserve this ‘eco’ status.
In an effort to boost transparency and help you make informed decisions, SLS has introduced Sustainability Attributes - now visible on our website!
Our sustainability attributes are built on three key principles: they are product-specific, awarded based on extensive primary data evidence provided by our trusted partners, and strive to encompass comprehensive information about the entire product lifecycle.
How are the Sustainability Attributes awarded?
Our sustainability attributes are meticulously designed to align with the five crucial stages of a product's lifecycle. This approach ensures a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of each product's environmental impact from raw material to end-of-life.
Products meeting at least one specific criteria during a lifecycle stage are presented with a Sustainability award. These icons serve as an immediate indicator of a product's sustainability performance.
| RAW MATERIAL | MANUFACTURE | PACKAGING & DISTRIBUTION | USE | DISPOSAL |
- Made using more than 80% recycled or renewable material - Made using material with a reduced environmental impact - Designed to reduce the use of raw materials | - Made in a facility which runs on >90% renewable energy - Measures were in place during the manufacture of this product to reduce energy consumption, to generate less waste or water usage. - Aligns with the principles of green chemistry | - Manufactured in the UK or Ireland - Country of origin has an EPI greater than 60 - Plastic-free packaging - Reduces the need for packaging - Packaging return scheme offered for this product | - Product contributes to a reduced energy consumption - Product contributes to a reduced water consumption - Product reduces or replaces the need for consumables - Built to last – minimum 5-year warranty, and spare part-servicing available | - Product is recyclable (excludes packaging). A recycling or repurposing scheme is offered for this product. - A feature of this product enhances its biodegradability. |
Where are the Sustainable Attributes visible?
Relevant products will showcase sustainability icons aligning with the criteria for each lifecycle stage both on our online platforms and in the future marketing materials. Additionally, to facilitate your online shopping experience, we incorporated a new product filter that will give you the option to exclusively view products with evidence-based sustainability performance.
Stay informed with SLS
For further guidance on enhancing the sustainability of your lab, reach out to our Sustainability Manager, Lucy Moore, at [email protected].