Reducing the environmental impact of lab plastics with plant-based solutions
March 12, 2025 16:00 GMT / 17:00 CET / 12:00 EDT / 09:00 PDT
Whilst plastics are thought to be essential in laboratory and biomanufacturing processes due to their reliability, they generate significant waste and contribute to carbon footprints. As a result, laboratories are now considering the environmental impact plastics cause and are seeking alternative solutions.
Plant-based materials provide a greener alternative, and in the case of replacing plastic-based resins, plant-based solutions have been shown to maintain the same consistency with the added bonus of reducing green house emissions.
In this SelectScience webinar, hear from Thermo Fisher Scientific experts, Dr. Colin Wright, Staff Scientist, R&D and Dr. Sune Lund Sporring, Sr. Manager R&D, as they share insights on using traditional plastic-based resins compared with plant-based, focusing directly on the impact on the mass balance approach. The accreditation of these biobased films with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus certification will also be covered, showcasing how the need for laboratories to validate these biofilms can be removed, accelerating implementation.
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the basic of resins and sustainability
- Learn about the role of biobased resins in sustainability
- Explore Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Greener by Design initiative
- Identify practical steps for laboratories to reduce environmental impact
Who should attend?
- Lab technicians, scientists and researchers in the pharma and biopharma industries as well as academia
Certificate of attendance
All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.
Speakers
Dr. Colin Wright holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Akron, with a robust background in polymer synthesis, characterization, and a keen interest in sustainability. During his graduate research, he focused on the modification of poly(lactic acid) to enhance the polymer's post-polymerization functionality. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2020, he was a teacher in academia. Since joining Thermo Fisher, he has been integral to the resins and sustainability teams, working on developing innovative solutions that align with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility
Dr. Sune Lund Sporring holds an MSc in Chemistry (2001) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Medicine from the University of Copenhagen. His expertise spans chemistry, polymers, materials, irradiation, clinical medicine, and surface modifications. He co-founded two spin-out companies from the University of Copenhagen, focusing on implant development and material interactions with the human body. Since joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2017, he has led a team of researchers in the bioscience field, innovating solutions to meet customer needs. He is also actively involved in Thermo Fisher Scientific's sustainability efforts, demonstrating his commitment to environmental responsibility.
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