Plastic is everywhere — and that includes laboratories. From pipette tips and tubes to sample containers and flasks, plastic has become essential to modern science, helping to keep workflows sterile, safe, and efficient. But this reliance also comes with a cost: labs generate a significant amount of waste, much of it designed for single use.
That’s why initiatives like The Big Plastic Count matter. The campaign started out with a focus on household plastic consumption, encouraging thousands of people across the UK to count the plastic packaging they throw away over one week. Now in its third year, it has grown into the UK’s biggest investigation into plastic waste, using real evidence to push the government to take urgent action on the plastics crisis.
While its roots are in household consumption, the message extends far beyond it. Academic research, life sciences, or clinical laboratories also have an important role to play. By raising awareness of plastic use in the lab and making more conscious choices wherever possible, we can all contribute to reducing unnecessary waste and building a more sustainable future.
Here are a few ways labs can start making a difference:
1. Reuse consumables where possible with washing systems
One effective way to cut down on plastic waste is to extend the life of consumables. The I-Wash, for example, is designed to wash cell counting slides, helping labs reduce reliance on single-use alternatives without disrupting workflows.
2. Replacing plastic consumables with durable glass alternatives
Swapping disposable plastic items for glass products — such as beakers, bottles, and test tubes — is an easy yet impactful step. Glass can be reused multiple times, reducing the overall volume of plastic waste generated in the lab.
3. Prioritising products with minimal or plastic-free packaging.
Where possible, choose items with plastic-free or minimal plastic packaging. We’ve tailored our Sustainability Attributes to help you find suitable products quickly. Look for the Sustainable Packaging & Distribution Award for more information.
4. Explore bio-based consumables
Bio-based products are another growing area of innovation. These consumables are made from renewable raw materials rather than traditional fossil-fuel plastics, offering a more sustainable option for certain applications. Examples include ClearLine BioBased products (made from at least 90% certified biobased plastic) and the Eppendorf BioBased range (made from second-generation biobased polymers and sourced from 100% renewable materials). Both ranges carry the ACT label, awarded by an independent auditor and published by My Green Lab®. While not every product has a bio-based alternative yet, expanding their use is an important step forward.
5. Reducing plastic in everyday lab infrastructure
Sometimes, small swaps make a big difference. The BioBin, for instance, is made of 96% cardboard, replacing traditional plastic non-sharp clinical waste containers. Suitable for autoclaving, BioBins can be safely and sustainably disposed of, helping labs reduce background plastic use.
6. Taking part in wider recycling initiatives
Recycling initiatives help reduce plastic use and improve the way unavoidable lab plastics are managed after disposal. Our Plastic to Purpose initiative, for example, transforms SLS pipette tip boxes into valuable, practical products, supports a circular economy, and ensures that plastics are responsibly repurposed rather than ending up in landfill. Manufacturers also sometimes offer recycling options — for instance, Ansell and KIMTECH PPE can be recycled through the RightCycle™ programme.
Plastic in the Lab: Progress Over Perfection
Plastic is often essential in lab environments, where safety and contamination control must always come first. But reducing plastic consumption doesn’t have to mean dramatic overnight changes. It’s about spotting areas where small, practical improvements can add up over time.
Campaigns like The Big Plastic Count are ultimately about awareness: understanding how much plastic we use and identifying where reductions are possible. For labs, the challenge is complex, but the opportunity is real: small steps, better choices, and continued innovation can make a meaningful difference … Because progress doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from momentum.
For any enquiries or to learn more about our Plastic to Purpose scheme, contact your Territory Sales Manager.