Waste, plastic, and how to handle it with oclean - The Starlab Deep Dive #3 

Rethinking Waste: What Labs Can Learn from Oclean

In this episode of The Starlab Deep Dive, Klaus Ambos is joined by Hannah and Marie—founders of Oclean, a Hamburg-based startup focused on cleaning up plastic waste and raising awareness through hands-on action.

While Starlab designs tools for life science research, Oclean is out in the streets picking up the packaging we all leave behind. Different settings, same mission: building a more sustainable future.

From Concern to Action

What began as a conversation between sisters about doing something meaningful became a city-wide movement. Oclean organises clean-up events, workshops, and social media campaigns to get people thinking—and acting—differently about waste.

They started by picking up litter on the street. Now they’re inspiring others to do the same, from individuals to companies.

“Everyone makes waste. That makes it everyone’s responsibility,” says Marie.

Finding Common Ground

While Starlab works primarily in labs and the life science sector, the conversation with Oclean showed how much overlap there really is. Whether it’s scientists using pipette tips or families throwing out packaging, the core issue is the same: how do we use less and reuse more?

Klaus shared Starlab’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic use in product design and build more sustainable supply chains. He also explained how single-material plastics like PP and PE are chosen to ensure recyclability from the start.

Marie and Hannah applauded this—and encouraged more companies to think practically. “Start with what you can control. You don’t need a perfect plan—just the will to begin.”

Beyond the Bin: Making Sustainability Part of Daily Life

The sisters also discussed their use of digital tools to keep momentum going, especially during the pandemic. Through Instagram, newsletters, and LinkedIn, Oclean shares advice on small changes—from sorting waste properly to rethinking office habits.

Whether it’s ditching desk bins or skipping printed documents, their advice is simple: stay curious and stay aware.

Waste is Everyone’s Problem—And Everyone’s Opportunity

Oclean’s message is that you don’t need to be a scientist, policymaker, or CEO to help reduce waste. You just need to start.

That mindset fits right in with Starlab’s own goals. Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about in press releases—it’s something we design into our products and challenge ourselves to improve every day.

The Takeaway

Change doesn’t always come from the top down. Sometimes it starts with two people and a bin bag.

By combining hands-on action with public education, Oclean is showing how a simple idea—pick up what’s around you—can build momentum. Their message is clear: progress is possible when everyone gets involved.