Packaging Resources

Circular concepts for us are regenerative systems, in which resource use, waste production, and emissions are minimized by slowing, reducing, and closing natural resource cycles - this can be achieved through dematerialization, the use of more sustainable raw materials, and a Design for Reuse and Recycling. In our understanding, Circular concepts also include a maximum servicability and durability of products as well as prevention of potential negative environmental and social impacts.

"We have set specific targets and backed them up with clear KPIs and measures, which we will monitor regularly at Eppendorf starting in 2023. This ensures that there are defined persons responsible for achieving the targets and that the progress of defined measures is transparently trackable" – Samira Schroeder, Manager Product Sustainability.

As part of the Eppendorf strategy, we have set ourselves a number of goals for the protection of natural resources and the achievement of SDG 12. Particularly relevant topics for us are the responsible use of our consumables and packaging, for which we have defined concrete targets and measures.

Reduce

Replace

Rethink

Generally, Eppendorf aims to keep the reduction target for CO₂ emissions in mind when selecting suppliers and materials in order to
minimize conflicting goals in other areas. In addition to a maximum possible reduction in packaging sizes and material quantities,
air spaces in outer packaging should also always be below 30% by 2028. We also see great potential in transport and logistics
processes. In the area of internal logistics, we therefore want to significantly reduce waste volumes by using more shuttle packaging,
loading pallets more efficiently, and encouraging batch-conforming ordering behavior.

Eppendorf will continue to require materials such as plastic films and bags as well as cardboard and similar for safe product transport. However, in addition to maximizing the reduction of material quantities, Eppendorf has set itself the goal of using recycled and renewable secondary materials wherever possible. For example, fossil-based primary plastics will be replaced by at least 35% by 2028. And all cardboard packaging for Consumables and smaller to medium-sized instruments will be made of 100% recycled
fiber or other more sustainable fibers to be completely deforestation-free by 2028.

Our goal, after all, is to design recyclable materials used in packaging components in such a way that they represent high-quality
secondary raw materials for the technical cycle. While reuse and recycling will be relatively easy to implement for most paper and plastic packaging, we encounter serious challenges, especially for films and bags of single-use consumables, where protection, sterility and product integrity must be ensured. Currently, we often must rely on composite materials for this purpose, which can subsequently only be sent for thermal recycling. But besides that, we see great reuse potentials within our internal logistic processes, supporting significant reduction of waste volumes.

Discover initiatives for Reduce | Replace | Rethink packaging

REPLACE – Paper & Cardboard Packaging: Deforestation-free Paper

REPLACE – Blister trays of epT.I.P.S.^® Motion Reloads from 60% recycled plastic

REPLACE – Plastic Packaging & PE-foam: Fossil primary plastics (partly) replaced by recycled plastic

REDUCE – Conical Tubes 15/50 mL: Smaller Packaging

REDUCE – Remodeling of ordering/ delivery processes for large customers (GSC)

REDUCE – PCR films & foils

REDUCE – Responsible supplier choice

REDUCE – Responsible material choice

REDUCE – Material/waste flow analysis & efficiency increase (PO)

REDUCE – Packaging waste reduction between sites & central hub

REDUCE – Reduction of pallet space per product

REDUCE – Size reduction of plastic bags

RETHINK – Reuse of Tip Boxes

RETHINK – Reuse & Recycle racks from racked tubes

RETHINK – Mechanical Recycling Program

RETHINK – New packaging Eppendorf Safe-Lock Tubes (1.5 mL)

RETHINK – New packaging ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.® BioBased Reloads (20 - 200 μL)

RETHINK – Paper packaging 100% designed for recycling

RETHINK – Plastic packaging 100% designed for recycling

RETHINK – Packaging reuse for service parts

RETHINK – Reuse of pallets, pallet wrappings and straps

Our future initiatives for packaging

New packaging concept for ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.^® BioBased Reloads (20-200 μL)

Reduction of valuable virgin materials for packaging, reduction of waste volumes, and low material-complexity Designs for highly qualitative recycling options is just part of the circular economy requirements. Following the Eppendorf Natural Resources Strategy, the new ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.^® BioBased Reloads (20-200 μL) packaging aims to meet this need with a more sustainable packaging concept in a pilot project.

New packaging concept for Eppendorf Safe-Lock Tubes (1.5 mL)

Reduction of valuable virgin materials for packaging, reduction of waste volumes, and low material-complexity designs for high qualitative recycling options are parts of the circular economy
requirements. Following the Eppendorf Natural Resources Strategy, the new Eppendorf Safe-Lock Tubes (1.5 mL) packaging aims to meet this need with a more sustainable packaging concept in a pilot project.

You are about to leave this site.