Purchasing Laboratory Supplies
- Prioritize biodegradable options: Evaluate whether biodegradable consumables (e.g., certain gloves f.ex. from Nbio) are suitable for your lab.
- Combine orders: Procure laboratory materials through the Centrale Warehouse of the Zentralbereich Neuenheimer Feld (ZNF) f.ex. through the ZNF Online-Shop or coordinate with other laboratories to reduce packaging waste and transport emissions. Choose bulk packaging where sterility allows.
- Order respective materials dry: Dry oligonucleotides minimize packaging waste and shipping weight while improving stability.
- Check supplier sustainability: Review suppliers’ environmental commitments and prioritize those with strong sustainability programs (e.g., eco-packaging, resource-efficient production) as well as products which have a certification issued by ACT or ENERGY STAR.
- Select recycled plastics: Choose tubes and vials made from recycled materials; refill racks instead of buying pre-racked sets f.ex. racks from STARLAB.
- Review the use of reusable cooling alternatives and water-saving options such as Lab Armor™ Beads or the Corning® CoolBox™ instead of ice.
- Implement digital tracking: Use inventory management software to monitor orders and expiration dates. The web-based software eLabFTW allows you to maintain an electronic lab notebook and use it to plan, monitor and document scientific experiments.
- Switch to master mixes: That can lead to less plastic and higher reproducibility.
- Choose eco products: Some suppliers offer products with reduced packaging or recyclable materials.
- Use concentrated stock solutions: Dilute as needed to reduce bottle consumption.