How Labs Can Tackle Sustainability: A Conversation with Nikoline Borgermann

In episode two of The Starlab Deep Dive, sustainability expert Nikoline Borgermann joins Starlab CEO Klaus Ambos to discuss how science—and scientists—can make real progress toward greener lab work.

The conversation goes beyond theory, focusing on practical steps, shared responsibility, and why changing habits may be the hardest part of going green.

A Scientist’s Dilemma

Nikoline’s background is rooted in biochemistry and hands-on lab research. During her PhD, she realised that while researchers were solving global problems, they were also generating a huge environmental footprint—mostly through energy use, single-use plastics, and inefficient lab practices.

That realisation led her to leave academia and become a full-time green lab consultant, helping institutions cut waste without cutting corners.

Why Plastics Are Just the Start

Plastic is often the first thing scientists think about when it comes to sustainability. Nikoline agrees—it’s a visible problem—but warns it’s only part of the bigger picture. Recycling helps, but reduction is more effective. Even better? Closing the loop, where lab consumables are reprocessed and reused within the supply chain.

“We can’t rely on sorting alone,” she says. “We need better materials, and we need to use less of them from the start.”

Starlab’s Approach

Starlab is actively working on ways to reduce plastic waste and improve product design. As Klaus explains, the long-term goal is circularity: tip racks and labware that return to the production cycle instead of becoming waste. Progress is slow—but it’s happening.

Nikoline agrees: “Labs can’t fix everything alone. But together—with suppliers, researchers, and infrastructure—we can change how the system works.”

Beyond Waste: Power, People and Policy

Some of the most effective changes have nothing to do with plastic. Simple actions like switching off unused equipment or closing fume hoods can cut energy use dramatically. According to Nikoline, many labs could reduce their electricity consumption by up to 50% with small behaviour shifts.

But here’s the challenge: habits are hard to break. And green initiatives often rely on personal motivation instead of formal responsibility.

“Sustainability isn’t on most job descriptions,” she points out. “If we want real change, it has to be recognised—and supported—at the organisational level.”

What Labs Can Do Today

Nikoline’s top advice? Start small. Raise awareness. Make one habit change at a time. Whether it’s energy use, material choices, or improving purchasing decisions, every shift helps build momentum.

It’s also a team effort. “Individual action matters—but collective action drives the real change.”

A Greener Future Starts Now

Sustainability in science is no longer a fringe topic. It’s a growing movement—and one that the next generation of scientists is already embracing. At Starlab, we’re proud to be part of that shift.

This episode of The Deep Dive reminds us that we don’t need to choose between innovation and responsibility—we just need to keep asking better questions.