Exploring sustainable plastic labware solutions
When it comes to plastics, we’re committed to being at the forefront of sustainable practices and driving the conversations to advance the sustainability of plastic labware.
We’re also here to work with labs to help them enhance sustainable practices so they can continue to rely on their favorite reusable plastic labware in a eco-friendly way.
We do this by:
1. Product Ideation
2. Responsible Sourcing
3. Eco-Minded Manufacturing
4. Lower-Impact Packaging and Shipping
5. Using Greener Products
6. Product End of Life Initiatives
How the ACT label can revolutionize sustainability in the lab supplies business
Watch the LERN on demand webinar to learn more about how Thermo Fisher is enabling customers to meet their own sustainability goals in the lab by producing sustainable plastic laboratory product.
The ACT Label program is currently available in North America, Europe and the UK only.*
#NalgeneLabWish
Wishing for a sustainable future
We asked you to share your hopes and dreams for your labmates, your research, and our planet,
however achievable or aspirational. Here’s what some of you had to say.
How to reuse your Nalgene labware
Reusable Thermo Scientific Nalgene products are designed for long term use under typical life science lab conditions, making them a good choice when sustainability is in mind.
When it’s time to replace your labware, many of our products are made from polypropylene and polyethylene, which can be recycled in many communities.
How to clean your reusable labware
Nalgene containers are durable and reusable, reducing the waste of disposable containers and preventing the leakage of hazardous materials. For most general applications, Nalgene plastics may be washed in a mild detergent, followed by a rinse with tap water and then distilled water.
We recommend using non-alkaline detergents for cleaning plastic labware, especially those products made of polycarbonate, which is particularly sensitive to alkaline attack.
Nalgene L900 Liquid Detergent
Thoroughly clean all plastic labware, especially polycarbonate, with Thermo Scientific Nalgene L900 Liquid Detergent. This environmentally friendly formula will not cause crazing, stress cracking or clouding of plastic when used as directed.
- For hand or machine use
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Low foaming
- Designed to clean plastics at a neutral pH
Remove RNasa or DNases from plastic containers
RNase, an enzyme that breaks down RNA, and DNase, which breaks down DNA, are contaminants that can interfere with nucleotide research. DNase can be destroyed by autoclaving for 15 minutes at 121°C or by following any of the procedures listed on our care and use page.
Read more to learn about various techniques that will inhibit or remove RNase from your plastic container.
Want to do more? Buy ACT labeled products
Nalgene labware is more than just reusable labware. Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to designing our products with the environment in mind. The Nalgene manufacturing facilities in the US are sensitive to the environmental impact of our products, manufacturing processes and packaging. We’ve implemented numerous processes to assure our position of ecological leadership in manufacturing in everything we make.
Learn more about the sustainability of reusable plastic labware and Thermo Fisher Scientific's green manufacturing practices through our participation in My Green Lab's ACT Label program. By participating in this program we're able to provide more information on our products' environmental impact with the goal to help enable labs to make more informed sustainable purchasing decisions.
How sustainable are your lab practices?
Laboratories can be big consumers of resources and waste producers, but there are choices you can make everyday to lower your lab’s environmental impact and achieve sustainability stardom. Put your lab practices to the test in the environmental board game where every action has a reaction.
California Proposition 65 Warning: Products manufactured with polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or polystyrene (PS) contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.