1
Sep
Circular Economy in Science: Designing Labs for Reuse and Recycling
The concept of a circular economy is reshaping industries worldwide, and laboratories are no exception. Instead of relying on a “take, use, dispose” model, circular science labs prioritise reuse, recycling, and responsible procurement to reduce waste and conserve resources. For Australian schools, universities, and research centres, adopting circular economy principles creates greener labs while supporting national sustainability goals.
Why Circular Economy Principles Matter in Labs
Laboratories are traditionally high-consumption environments, generating large volumes of plastic, glass, and chemical waste. A linear system leads to rising costs and unsustainable waste streams. Circular labs close the loop by maximising product life, reusing materials where possible, and recycling effectively — reducing both environmental impact and operational expenses.
Linear vs Circular Lab Practices
| Feature | Linear Lab Practices (Take-Use-Dispose) | Circular Lab Practices (Reuse-Recycle-Reduce) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassware | Frequent disposal of soda-lime glass | Durable BORO 3.3 glass, repeatedly autoclaved |
| Plasticware | Single-use plastics dominate workflows | Recyclable PP/HDPE, refill systems, shared pools |
| Chemical Waste | Disposal without recovery | Solvent recovery & neutralisation systems |
| Procurement | Cost-based supplier selection | Green procurement, ISO-compliant suppliers |
| End-of-Life | Landfill or incineration | Specialised recycling (borosilicate, plastics) |
Case Study: Implementing Circular Lab Practices
At the University of Melbourne, a circular lab pilot project replaced soda-lime glassware with LabChoice BORO 3.3 beakers and flasks. The durability of borosilicate reduced glass disposal by 80% over three years.
In Brisbane, a biotech company adopted a solvent recycling system, recovering ethanol and acetone for reuse in extractions. This reduced chemical purchases by 30%, while cutting hazardous waste disposal costs significantly.
LabChoice Advantage
LabChoice Australia supports circular economy practices by supplying long-life BORO 3.3 glassware and recyclable plasticware (PP, HDPE). By choosing LabChoice products, labs extend material lifecycles, reduce waste, and align with ISO 14001 environmental management systems.
FAQs
What does circular economy mean for laboratories?
It means designing workflows that prioritise reuse and recycling over disposal, minimising waste generation.
Can BORO 3.3 glass be recycled?
Yes, but it requires specialised recycling streams separate from regular glass due to its higher melting point.
Do circular practices save money?
Yes. While initial investments may be higher, savings from reduced replacements and waste disposal are significant long-term.
Are circular labs possible in schools?
Yes. Schools can adopt smaller-scale measures, like reusing glassware, recycling plastics, and choosing sustainable suppliers.
📚 References
Standards & Guidelines
- ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. International Organization for Standardization.
- AS/NZS ISO 20400:2018 – Sustainable procurement — Guidance. Standards Australia & Standards New Zealand.
Academic & Sustainability Reports
- CSIRO – Circular Economy and Science in Australia – Framework for Sustainable Labs.
https://www.csiro.au - University of Melbourne – Sustainability Report – Circular Lab Pilot Programs in Chemistry Departments.
- Monash University – Green Labs Program – Case Study on Solvent Recovery and Circular Economy Practices.
- American Chemical Society (ACS) – Green Chemistry & Circular Economy in Laboratories.
https://www.acs.org
