Boston– Polycarbin and Grenova, two innovators in sustainable laboratory practices, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions across the life sciences sector. The collaboration brings together Grenova’s technology for washing and reusing plastic lab consumables with Polycarbin’s closed-loop recycling infrastructure, offering a unified solution that minimizes environmental impact.
The joint initiative allows labs to implement a comprehensive “reduce, reuse, recycle” model. By using Grenova’s systems, laboratories can wash and reuse pipette tips up to 10 times before sending them into Polycarbin’s recycling stream, significantly extending the life cycle of lab plastics. This approach helps divert waste from landfills and incinerators while increasing material efficiency.
James O’Brien, CEO of Polycarbin, emphasized that the partnership empowers scientific institutions to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a circular economy. “By embracing circularity and extended producer responsibility, we’re enabling scientific institutions to mitigate carbon emissions—turning waste into a valuable resource and transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage,” he said.
The collaboration also addresses the life sciences industry’s heavy dependence on virgin, fossil fuel-based plastics. By providing a seamless reuse and recycling system, the two companies aim to lower the demand for new plastic materials and cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional manufacturing.
To help laboratories track and report their environmental progress, both companies offer measurement tools: Grenova’s Sustainability Impact Calculator and Polycarbin’s ISO-compliant Carbin Counter™. These platforms allow labs to quantify key sustainability metrics, such as emissions reductions, water conservation, and diverted plastic waste.
“Sustainability in Life Sciences requires more than just good intentions—it requires action,” said Katherine Marrs, CEO of Grenova. “This partnership reflects the shared mission of both organizations to empower scientists with solutions that promote environmental stewardship and help organizations achieve their sustainability goals.”
Together, Polycarbin and Grenova are paving the way for a new era of environmentally responsible science, making it easier for research institutions to align operations with global sustainability standards.
