What if your next purchasing decision could reduce waste, cut long-term costs, and still meet rigorous performance standards? In the lab, where consumables pile up fast and shipping boxes become their own waste stream, small changes can make a real impact—without blowing your budget.
And no, you don’t have to overhaul your entire operation to get started.
This guide walks through what “sustainable” means in the context of laboratory supplies, how to evaluate products when budgets are tight, and how to make smarter choices that align with both scientific rigor and environmental responsibility.
The Budget Myth: Sustainability Doesn’t Always Cost More
One of the most common objections to green purchasing is price. And yes, some eco-labeled items may cost more upfront. But let’s put this in proper perspective:
• Reusable options often pay for themselves in fewer than 3 uses
• Efficient packaging reduces storage needs and disposal fees
• Longer shelf-life and stable formulations lower waste due to expired goods
• Quality labware prevents breakage, failed runs, and costly downtime.
Smart sustainability is really about reducing total cost of ownership. That includes waste management, shipping impacts, and even staff time.
Performance Still Comes First
Eco-conscious doesn’t mean compromised. Reputable sustainable lab products are designed to meet the same performance specs as their conventional counterparts and often exceeding them. High-quality manufacturing standards, robust QC, and reliable supply chains are all part of the equation. When vetted properly, choosing greener options doesn’t mean rolling the dice on your results.
So, What Makes a Product Sustainable?
It’s not just about what’s printed on the box. In the lab, real sustainability comes down to a few key pillars:
• Material type – Is it recyclable, compostable, or made from renewable inputs?
• Manufacturing practices – Does the supplier use clean energy, efficient processes, or closed-loop systems?
• Packaging – Is it minimal, recyclable, or reusable?
• Transport impact – Is it produced and shipped from closer to home?
• End-of-life – Is there a take-back or recycling program? Can you avoid landfill?
You don’t need to check every box to make a difference—shifting even one factor can meaningfully reduce your footprint.
Where the ACT Label Comes In
With so many variables, it helps to have a trusted reference point. The ACT Label (short for Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency) gives you a clear, independently verified look at how a product measures up across sustainability metrics.
Think of it like a nutrition label for lab products. It evaluates:
• The environmental impact of manufacturing
• Packaging sustainability
• Use-phase emissions (like energy needs)
• End-of-life handling
The ACT Label doesn’t replace thoughtful evaluation—it supports it, making it easier to shop smarter and stay mission-aligned under pressure.
At Go Green Scientific, we go one step further: ACT-labeled products earn more points in our Rewards Program, so you can reduce your lab’s footprint and get rewarded for it.
For labs reporting on ESG targets, working toward LEED certification, or applying for grants that emphasize sustainability, ACT-labeled purchases can offer built-in alignment with broader goals.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here are 3 simple switches any lab can consider:
1. Swap foam racks for reusable racks
2. Buy in bulk or concentrated formats to reduce packaging and shipping waste.
3. Choose refill packs instead of individual containers when restocking
Better yet? Search for those with an ACT label.
Sustainability Isn’t about Guilt. It’s About Smart Choices
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Every purchasing decision is a chance to lead—not just in science, but in shaping a more sustainable industry. Whether you're managing a single lab or scaling up across departments, your choices send a signal. Small, strategic changes today create measurable impact tomorrow.
If you’re curious about the ACT label, eco-focused purchasing, or how to earn more points through Go Green Scientific, we’re here to help.
