The benefits of plastic being such an attractive alternative to glass in the lab remain – its durability, cost-effectiveness and convenience – but the evidence of its impact on our planet and wildlife has been nauseating The consequences, which make plastic consumption a corporate taboo.
A clear sustainable development model emerges
Very clear patterns are emerging, with labs putting sustainability at the top of their agenda – especially when it comes to plastics. This could have a significant positive impact on the environment, as bioscience research is estimated to account for 1.8% of global plastic production.
Whether it can reduce environmental pollution and achieve sustainable development in the use of materials has become a concern of many enterprises.
1.Reduce the use of plastic products
Many labs are looking to reduce plastic purchases entirely and invest in new glass products that are easier to reprocess.
Laboratories can often have a variety of single-use plastics such as sample holders, sample jars and pipettes, but many recycling plants will not accept laboratory plastics because of the risks they pose to health and safety. Plastics absorb dirt, become unstable under high- temperature washes, and are difficult to dry, so it’s understandable that labs are keen to find better solutions.
Pharmaceutical companies, in particular, are switching from plastic products to glass products. Many plastic measuring cylinders have also been replaced by glass measuring cylinders. These items in glass are obviously fragile, but it shows how seriously the lab is taking the single-use plastic problem.
2.Reduce water consumption
Another aspect of sustainability at the forefront of equipment specifications is water consumption. Water use is looming as a key environmental issue.
In the laboratory, many researchers may pay more attention to the treatment of wastewater, while ignoring some steps or methods in the experimental process that can save water. For example, when cleaning laboratory utensils, using a bottle washer instead of manual cleaning can effectively reduce water consumption. Incomplete statistics have found that some university laboratories waste water resources at will, with more than 20% of the water consumption per month It’s all wasted. If it can be restricted and supervised, it will definitely play a role in saving water.
In addition to habit formation and institutional management, the use of science and technology to improve the utilization of water resources is a method of greater interest to the majority of researchers. Adopt intelligent management technology of water saving and energy consumption, and use sensors to monitor laboratory water consumption. The water-saving system senses the abnormal flow of water resources and automatically closes the water valve.
How to minimize the damage to the environment should be the top priority of the company’s agenda, which not only reflects the responsibility and responsibility of a company, but also reflects whether the company can adapt to the development trend of the times, grasp the green market opportunities, and realize the key to sustainable development.
Post time: Jun-21-2022