Plastic-Free Labs: Where Sustainability Meets Scientific Innovation  

Sustainability Labs: Key Takeaways

• Single-use plastic reduction can start with small swaps like downsizing pipettes 

• IFF program cut 1 million single-use items across 40 labs in 30 countries 

• Leadership support plus local Green Teams accelerate adoption of sustainable lab practices 

• Reusable or recyclable PPE options shrink waste streams and support zero-waste goals 

From personal protective equipment (PPE) to pipettes, labs have a menagerie of single-use plastics. But what happens when scientists and creatives come together to tackle plastic pollution — one of the world’s largest issues?  
There are endless possibilities for ways to reduce, reuse and repurpose plastic waste. 
In this article, you’ll discover: 

• Why laboratories have depended on plastics and their environmental cost
•  Real-world innovations that are cutting single-use items in research settings

• How small, targeted swaps can deliver outsized sustainability gains 
• Where a circular-economy mindset can unlock further waste reductions 

Green Alternatives for Sustainability Labs 

Science labs rely on plastic for many reasons — sterility, cost-efficiency and durability, just to name a few. And as businesses strive to achieve zero waste to landfill to meet their sustainability goals, a number of innovations have surfaced in labs around the world that reduce the reliance on single-use plastics, provide eco‑friendly alternatives and/or help to implement responsible usage. 

For those committed teams interested in challenging the status quo, one tip to increase sustainable alternatives is to first focus on small wins…because they can make a big difference. 

Take the first step toward making a difference. Explore Our Circular Economy Initiatives 

Case Study Spotlight: Sustainable Innovation in Practice 

Within IFF, initial internal research of our Nourish Creative Labs found that at least 70% of all plastic items in our lab setting fell into four categories: bags, bottles and caps, cups and containers and pipettes. 

Beginning in 2021, teams within our global creative labs envisioned a sustainable path forward that embraced alternative solutions on plastic reliance in daily operations. 

Aligned with the corporate sustainability commitment to achieve zero waste to landfill at all major manufacturing facilities by 2030, the team got to work exploring options.  

The first phase launched in 18 labs across 11 countries and included the elimination of plastic bags, utensils and tasting cups in the lab. From there, the program only grew. 

Since 2023, 40 labs in 30 countries have taken part of the initiative, collectively eliminating ~1 million single‑use plastic items and trimming purchase orders by an average 24,800 units per site. 

Leadership support and on‑the‑ground Green Teams embedded viable alternatives to single-use plastic, making it easier for everyone to embrace change and continue to champion the program. 

Quick Wins for Sustainable Lab Practices 

Small, science‑smart tweaks can slash waste and demonstrate measurable progress in just weeks. 

Eliminate Common Consumables 

Another tip for making a lab more eco‑friendly is to identify one or two opportunities that can make the biggest impact.  

If you’ve ever been in a laboratory, you’ve seen a pipette. In our creative centers these small plastic tools are primarily used for weighing and transporting raw materials for flavor tasting.  

They also help to avoid possible contamination when mixing flavors and raw materials. These disposable instruments are particularly convenient but not eco‑friendly.  

Having explored ways to avoid plastic waste without compromising safety or quality control, the teams settled on simply reducing the size of the pipettes from 3 ml to 1 ml. This small shift effectively reduced the volume of pipette plastic waste by two‑thirds with a potential reduction of up to 1,102 lbs (500 kg) annually.

Repurpose and Recycle PPE

Another option? Take the gloves off… and repurpose them. 

Disposable gloves are a frequently used, and these crucial PPEs  are a prime candidate for reuse. In Union Beach, New Jersey, our R&D lab has recycled 1,000 lb of disposable nitrile gloves since 2017, and they are not stopping!  

If your disposable gloves are made of nitrile, latex or vinyl, special programs are available to safely recycle the gloves. As with any materials, recycling disposable gloves is only a safe option if they have not come into contact with clinical waste or chemicals. 

Beyond lab workflows, IFF’s bioscience platform offers ingredient innovations that reinforce sustainability at every step.  

Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™ (DEB), for example, is IFF’s platform for enzymatically polymerizing plant-based sugars into structurally precise, high-performance polysaccharides at commercial scale. The DEB manufacturing process is carbon-negative on a cradle-to-gate basis, offering a renewable, biodegradable alternative to traditional polymers. 

Cut Lab Waste During Plastic-Free July 

What can you do to help reduce reliance on plastic? Join a global campaign that challenges individuals and organizations to reduce single-use plastics throughout the month of July (and beyond).  

Plastic-Free July offers an opportunity to rethink routine habits and explore more sustainable alternatives, especially in settings where plastic use is deeply embedded in everyday operations, like research labs.  

• Why labs matter: Research environments often rely on disposable plastics for sterility and convenience, making them ideal places to pilot impactful changes. 
• Global alignment: Reducing lab plastic supports broader zero-waste goals and aligns with circular economy commitments and corporate sustainability commitments such as IFF’s Do More Good Plan 
• Your next step: Start with one change. Swap out tasting cups, downsize pipettes, or introduce a reusable PPE program. Track your team’s impact throughout the month. 

Take this month as your lab’s opportunity to test, measure and inspire change. Small shifts today can lead to measurable sustainability gains tomorrow. 

Join the Global Zero‑Waste Movement With IFF

Every year, the world recognizes special days and months designed to bring attention to zero waste. Whether it’s Zero Waste Week, Global Recycling Day, World Environment Day, World Environment Day or Plastic Free July, remember we’re all striving to achieve zero waste to landfill to help safeguard the health of our planet, waterways and food systems. 

The United Nations estimates that people produce 430 million tons of plastic a year, with two‑thirds composed of short‑lived products. With more than 135 years of innovation, IFF is a trusted partner for translating bold sustainability ambitions into measurable, science‑backed results.

Will you take a few small steps to reduce, reuse, or repurpose single‑use plastics in your labs? Find out more about IFF’s environmental, sustainability and governance story in our Do More Good Report.  

Curious about the power of science? See How Bioscience Impacts Product Innovation