Research Recycling quantifies the greenhouse‑gas impact of laboratory plastics and works to eliminate landfill and incineration by advancing recycling technologies and reintegrating recycled material into supply chains. The organization provides lifecycle assessments, data on waste generation—such as the average scientist producing about 8 lb of plastic waste daily—and collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop practical recycling solutions. By mapping emission hotspots across polymer production, manufacturing, and disposal, it guides actionable strategies for sustainable lab practices.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Laboratory research generates approximately 8 lb of plastic waste per scientist each day, with 60‑80% of this waste ending up in landfills or incinerated. The production and disposal of these plastics account for 33‑48% of the total greenhouse‑gas emissions associated with lab consumables, yet there is limited coordination among manufacturers, research institutions, and waste‑management providers to address the issue.
Solution
Research Recycling facilitates collaboration across the laboratory supply chain to close the loop on plastic use. The organization conducts lifecycle assessments to quantify emissions from polymer production, manufacturing, and disposal, identifying the primary hotspots. By engaging scientists, manufacturers, and waste‑management companies through interviews, advisory roles, and a LinkedIn network, it gathers insights on barriers and best practices for recycling lab plastics. The collected data inform white papers and industry standards that promote the integration of recycled polymers back into manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on virgin plastics and lower overall GHG emissions.
Target Audience
Primary audiences are laboratory researchers, academic and corporate research institutions, lab‑plastic manufacturers, and waste‑management firms seeking to reduce plastic waste and associated emissions.
Features
- Lifecycle assessment framework that quantifies emissions across polymer production, manufacturing, transportation, packaging, and disposal stages
- Structured industry interviews and advisory program to capture stakeholder challenges and successful recycling practices
- Collaborative network platform (LinkedIn) for ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and dissemination of best‑practice guidelines
- Publication of white papers and standards that guide manufacturers in incorporating recycled lab‑grade polymers into their supply chains
- Identification and documentation of barriers to sourcing greener raw materials and recycling lab plastics