After more than 1,670 laboratories collecting over 100 tonnes of plastic, Starlab has now succeeded for the first time in producing a high-quality laboratory product from the collected recycled material. Starlab's recycling service for the collection of TipOne® system polypropylene components is not only popular with researchers – but also well received by the German government. The company has received a significant research allowance from the Federal Republic of Germany.

Industry's first research allowance for sustainable recycling

With its funding, the Research Allowance Certification Office (BSFZ) honours Starlab's many years of development work in the field of sustainable laboratory waste management. As part of the Research Allowance Act (FzulG), Starlab is the first company in the industry to receive this recognition.

“For a long time, it was said that plastic products could not be sustainable. We have proven that it depends on the right concept and new ways of thinking,” explains Klaus Ambos, Managing Director of Starlab International GmbH.

10 years of work: from creation to use

With the introduction of the sterile refill system in 2015, Starlab added another important building block to its sustainability strategy.

“From the very beginning, acceptance among our customers was higher than their skepticism. In science and research, there is courage and the will to become more sustainable,” explains Ambos.

From waste to collection: Number of laboratories increases significantly

Launched in 2020, the Starlab Recycling Service is established in Germany, Austria, France and the UK.

“The number of participating laboratory facilities increased to over 1,670 in 2024 – a threefold increase compared to 2022,” reports Dr. Lennart Walter, Project Manager for TipOne® Recycling at Starlab.

From 'waste' to resource

“The consistent use of high-quality PP in our TipOne® system enables direct and efficient processing into high-quality PP material that is as good as new. This year alone, we have exceeded the mark of 100 tonnes of recycled regrind,” says Walter.

Since the beginning of the year, the regrind has been used for the first time in the production of TipOne® racks, closing the loop.

National strategies to reduce primary raw material consumption

On 4 December 2024, the German government adopted the National Circular Economy Strategy, aiming to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and close material cycles. In November 2024, the UK government announced the formation of the Circular Economy Taskforce.

“Our system enables a completely transparent cycle – from raw material to use to recycling and reuse. This is our contribution to a more sustainable and crisis-proof economy,” explains Ambos.