You use laboratory instruments and consumables for your life science and clinical applications on a daily basis. Especially those plastic consumables, such as pipette tips, tubes and plates, which are known for their high quality and reliability, are indispensable when it comes to sound scientific work. These single-use products, however, also present challenges with respect to their environmental impact. This impact can be studied and evaluated with the help of a standardised approach – a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Life Cycle Assessment of the 5mL Eppendorf tube® – overview of environmental impact and results
In 2022, Eppendorf launched 5mL screw-cap tubes made from biobased plastic. Currently, at least 90% of the material of these tubes are crafted from biobased polypropylene (PP), sourced from waste streams within the food industry. Within the scope of its sustainability strategy, Eppendorf performed the life cycle analysis of the 5mL Eppendorf tube®, evaluating the environmental impact of this product across its entire life cycle. This analysis included the CO2 footprint and the use of natural resources. The analysis was accredited externally through DEKRA, focusing on different scenarios including the use of bio-based materials.
Results: Cradle-to-Gate:
CO2 emissions:
- Classic version: standard materials without biobased components (fossil-based)
- Biobased version: reduction of CO2 emissions by 18% compared to the classic version
- Future biobased version: potential reduction of CO2 emissions by 27%
CO2e saving per tube for the biobased raw material:
- The biobased version of the tube leads to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, with savings of 3.3g to 11.1g per tube, depending on the tube volume
The complete analysis is available in White Paper 093.
Reduce your carbon footprint with Eppendorf
The results of this analysis underline the significance of more sustainable alternatives in the laboratory. Eppendorf has already made substantial progress by introducing biobased materials for consumables; in this way, we were able to considerably reduce the product’s CO2 footprint and resources required, without compromising quality or reliability.
Biobased consumables are available at comparable, or even lower prices than their fossil-based equivalents.
The value of conducting a lifecycle assessment is not to be understated; providing clear and trustworthy information for laboratories to make conscientious choices that help them to reduce their own carbon footprints is crucial to ensure a greener future.
Seize the opportunity and switch now to more environmentally friendly products – at no additional cost!
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