Scientific Laboratory Supplies – Sustainability Attributes

Best sustainability initiative
– the GreenLab Award

At Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS), we understand that navigating the sustainability credentials of laboratory products can be challenging. With a wide array of approaches to marketing ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ products, it is often difficult to determine the real environmental impact of the items used in scientific research and testing. To ensure that our customers are educated on products that have more sustainable features, we have developed a Sustainability Attributes Programme that is led by our Sustainability Manager, Product Information Management team, and importantly supported by our suppliers.

Our Sustainability Attributes initiative is designed to provide clear, evidence-based information about the sustainability credentials of the products we offer, allowing our customers to make informed decisions that align with their organisation’s environmental objectives.

A Transparent and Comprehensive Approach

We have established a strong framework for assessing and communicating the sustainability of our products. This approach follows three key principles:
•    Product specific – sustainability attributes apply to individual products rather than broad groups.
•    Evidence based – all claims are backed up by primary data from our suppliers.
•    Lifecycle consideration – our evaluation includes as much detail as possible on the entire product lifecycle.

This approach will enable our customers to make more conscientious choices which align with their lab or organisation’s sustainability strategy.

The Five-Stage Sustainability Model

Our attributes are assessed across the five key stages of a product’s lifecycle and products receive a sustainability award/icon if they meet one or more criteria within these lifecycle stages. These are as below:

Raw material:
•    Made using more than 80% recycled or renewable material
•    Made using material with a reduced environmental impact, e.g. a refrigerant with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential)
•    Designed to reduce the use of raw materials

Manufacture:
•    Made in a facility which runs on >90% renewable energy
•    Measures were in place during the manufacture of this product to reduce energy consumption
•    Measures were in place during the manufacture of this product to generate less waste
•    Measures were in place during the manufacture of this product to reduce water usage
•     Aligns with the principles of green chemistry

Packaging/distribution:
•    Manufactured in the UK or Ireland
•    Country of origin has an Environmental Performance Index (EPI) greater than 60
•    Plastic-free packaging
•    Reduces the need for packaging
•    Packaging return scheme offered for this product

Use:
•    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

Disposal:
•    Product is recyclable (excludes packaging). A recycling or re purposing scheme is offered for this product.
•    A feature of this product enhances its biodegradability.

This product level information is visible on our website, brochures, and promotional material through icons, but also more granular explanations specific to individual products. This way, customers are given sufficient information to be able to prioritise their sustainability targets and goals when choosing products that commit to their sustainable strategy. 

Whilst the attributes are not third-party verified, our Product Information Management team screen all incoming product data from suppliers before making it publicly available. External verification is ideal, but not always feasible for smaller manufacturers due to cost and supplier maturity. 

As a distributor, we have an insight into market maturity around sustainability and our analysis indicates that there are not many manufacturers conducting lifecycle assessments on products. We know of a handful and can provide details of these upon request. However, SLS is endeavouring to foster our supply chain to support them in getting closer to providing quantitative environmental metrics for individual products. 

By implementing this initiative, SLS encourages customers, such as laboratory professionals, to make more environmentally conscientious purchasing decisions. This structured and scientifically robust approach not only supports labs in reducing their environmental footprint, but also fosters a culture of transparency, responsibility, and innovation within the industry. We believe this initiative highlights a significant step forward in sustainable procurement for Scientific settings, making it a strong contender for the Best Sustainability Initiative Award.