How to become a sustainable company with Kerstin Hermuth-Kleinschmidt – The Starlab Deep Dive #4 

What It Really Takes to Become a Sustainable Company

In Episode 4 of The Starlab Deep Dive, we get into the real nuts and bolts of what sustainability looks like inside a science-based company. CEO Klaus Ambos is joined by Kerstin Hermuth-Kleinschmidt—chemist, environmental economist, and expert in sustainable business practices in life sciences.

The discussion covers challenges, progress, and what it means to move beyond good intentions and actually make meaningful change.

Big Impact, Bigger Responsibility

Kerstin opens with a sharp reality: the pharmaceutical sector emits more CO₂ than the automotive industry. And yet, it’s still under-studied and often overlooked in sustainability conversations. As Klaus points out, the lack of up-to-date data is part of the problem. If the sector is to improve, it needs better visibility—and more accountability.

At Starlab, we’ve already started collecting our own environmental performance data to build smarter products and systems. The goal? Reduce the footprint of everything we do, step by step.

Why Single-Use Plastics Are a Sticking Point

Single-use plastic remains a necessary part of lab work—for sterility, safety, and accuracy. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room to improve.

Kerstin stresses that while tips and tubes may not be recyclable due to contamination, there’s plenty of room to rethink packaging, materials, and design.

Klaus explains how Starlab uses pure, single-material plastics (like PP or PE) to simplify recycling, and how new product designs always aim to reduce material use wherever possible.

Closing the Loop—and Keeping It Real

The long-term aim? A closed-loop recycling system. One where packaging and non-contaminated components go back into production to create new Starlab products. It’s a complex challenge—but one the team is already tackling.

Kerstin’s advice: don’t try to do it all at once. Choose areas where you can have the most impact, involve your employees, and stay transparent.

“We’re not green,” Klaus says. “We’re becoming greener. That distinction matters.”

Small Changes, Big Potential

The podcast also touches on the practical side of sustainability in daily operations—from switching to 100% renewable energy to offering filtered tap water and reusable bottles across offices.

Even simple shifts like reducing individual desk bins can drastically cut plastic waste. As Kerstin reminds us, sustainability isn’t only about climate—social and economic aspects matter too. It’s about the bigger picture.

Start with the Right Goals

One of the most valuable frameworks mentioned is the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kerstin recommends a three-step approach for companies:

1. Select the most relevant SDGs that align with your work and values.
2. Evaluate your current efforts—what are you already doing, and what can improve?
3. Create a focused action plan based on measurable outcomes and real impact.

Klaus adds that this approach is how Starlab is structuring its sustainability roadmap—prioritising what’s actionable over what looks good on paper.

A Roadmap for Change

This episode is less about slogans, more about structure. Sustainability in life sciences isn’t easy—but it is possible. And for companies like Starlab, the work is already underway.