Closing the Loop: InBio’s Solution for Hard-to-Recycle Lab Plastics
Overview
InBio, a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, develops highly purified allergens, advanced test kits, and antibody-based allergen assays that detect environmental exposures and protect worker safety. The company also provides environmental and food allergen testing, along with contract research for specialized industry needs.
With sustainability embedded in its culture, InBio continually looks for ways to reduce its footprint while supporting customers in solving complex, real-world challenges. In mid-2023, InBio partnered with Polycarbin to recycle lab plastics and integrate a circular solution into its daily operations.
The Challenge
Despite careful sorting and a willingness to recycle, most of InBio’s lab plastics lacked the recycling symbols required by local facilities. Moreover, even when plastics were clean, uncontaminated, and without a recycling symbol, they were rejected and sent to a landfill.
“Our biggest frustration came from plastics without recycling symbols on them,” Research Scientist Kristina Reid Black explained. “Even when the plastics were recyclable, our local recycling facilities couldn’t take them if they weren’t labeled. That means we had to send all of that plastic to the landfill.”
InBio has made use of numerous brand-specific programs like Corning’s packaging take-back, Millipore’s cartridge recycling, and TipOne’s wafer box program. While helpful, these solutions covered only a fraction of InBio’s waste stream.
Solution
When InBio set out to tackle its plastic waste challenge, Polycarbin quickly emerged as the right partner.
“Once we learned about their closed-loop program, we were sold,” Kristina Reid Black recalled. “They accept the types of plastics we generate every day in the lab, and that made it an easy decision. But what really impressed us is that Polycarbin doesn’t just collect the waste. They turn that recycled resin back into new lab products we can use. It closes the loop in a way that is both practical and impactful.”
Polycarbin provided everything needed to make the rollout simple. A live onboarding session walked the team through the workflow, and clear signage and quick-reference guides ensured the team could easily adopt the program without disrupting operations. Collection containers were placed in obvious, high-traffic areas so participation felt seamless.
From there, InBio began recycling bottle-top filters, serological pipettes, centrifuge tubes, tubing, and plates, items that could be rinsed and safely diverted.
“The adoption process was seamless,” Kristina Ried Black said. “With clear guidance and signage in place, it became second nature for our team to sort plastics the right way.”
At the same time, InBio continued its commitment to sustainable shipping practices, testing compostable insulated boxes and moving from plastic to paperboard where possible. The combination of Polycarbin’s circular model and the company’s broader sustainability mindset has created a system that not only works in practice but also measurably reduces the environmental cost of scientific research.
Results
Since adopting Polycarbin’s program, InBio has diverted about 1,800 pounds of plastic from the landfill, tracking their impact on the Carbin Counter™. The company integrates these results into its reporting as part of the local Green Business Alliance, for which it also tracks solar energy use and overall waste diversion.
Because sorting was already part of InBio’s culture, colleagues quickly embraced the new Closed-Loop recycling program. Additionally, InBio has made strides to integrate Polycarbin’s circular lab products into their procurement practices, proving that circular materials can support scientific work without compromise.
By partnering with Polycarbin to close the loop on lab plastics, InBio has advanced its sustainability goals, reduced waste, and strengthened its reputation as a company committed to responsible science.
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About InBio
InBio develops highly purified allergens, advanced test kits, and antibody-based allergen assays that support indoor air quality, worker safety, and specialized contract research. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, InBio combines scientific innovation with a commitment to sustainability.
You can learn more about InBio by clicking the link here.
