Research and Sustainability: A Potential Clean Future 

Approximately 5.5 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated by laboratories annually, accounting for roughly 2% of global plastic waste [1]. While this work is essential for advancing healthcare through research and novel therapeutics, it is also important to recognize its environmental impact. Polycarbin was founded to address this issue by recovering and reprocessing single-use laboratory consumables that would otherwise be sent to landfill. The company applies a circular economy model designed to keep materials in use for as long as possible by recirculating resources at their highest value and reducing overall waste generation [2].

 
Unlike traditional recycling, which often results in downcycled materials with reduced utility, Polycarbin’s approach emphasizes maintaining material value through controlled reuse pathways. In some cases, this may still involve limited reuse cycles depending on the product type; however, the overall goal is to extend material lifespan and reduce plastic demand across laboratory supply chains.

 
The company provides a digital platform that allows users to track the amount of material diverted from landfills 
and integrates this data with ISO-compliant reporting systems. Polycarbin produces a range of laboratory 
consumables, including pipette tips, nitrile gloves, and tube racks, manufactured from recovered and processed 
materials. 

With operations across multiple U.S. locations and distribution in the United States, Canada, and the European 
Union, Polycarbin continues to expand its efforts toward reducing the environmental footprint of laboratory 
operations and supporting more sustainable research infrastructure 

Article written by Jennifer Joanna-Joan Villeneuve,
M.ESc Biomedical Engineering Candidate, B.ESc Mechatronic Systems & B.ESc Biomedical Engineering

References 
[1] C. Harclerode, “Cutting laboratory plastic waste: The power of reusable consumables,” My Green Lab, 
https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/cutting-laboratory-plastic-waste-the-power-of-reusable-consumables/ 
(accessed May 11, 2026).  
[2] Polycarbin, https://polycarbin.com/pages/about-us (accessed May 11, 2026).  

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