Optimizing Sustainability Efforts in Packaging at Hygiena®

At Hygiena®, we are committed to enhancing sustainability throughout our operations, including our packaging processes. As part of this commitment, we are making strategic shifts to reduce waste, improve recyclability and lower energy consumption. Here’s how we are driving change:

1. Transitioning to Paper Airbags

Historically, plastic bags were used as space fillers to secure bottles and shipping boxes for our PCR detection kits. We are transitioning to paper airbags made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable paper. This change will be phased in after using up all our existing stock of plastic airbags, with a goal to implement paper airbags across all packaging within the next 6-12 months. We are on track to eliminate plastic bags by FY25, reflecting our commitment to a more sustainable future.

2. Reducing Film Usage in Packaging

To further reduce packaging waste, we have replaced multiple layers of clean film used to wrap boxes for technical, distribution, production demos, or loaner equipment with a single band. This change minimizes material usage and enhances distribution efficiency while maintaining the security and protection of our products.

3. Recycling Shipping Boxes

We are also prioritizing the reuse of shipping boxes wherever possible. Non-branded brown boxes without competitor labeling are recycled to extend their lifecycle and minimize waste. The same applies to cushioning material (airbags, film, paper, etc.) from suppliers for our parcels. Furthermore, our packaging is certified with Germany’s Blauer Engel label, reflecting our use of mono-materials and dedication to eco-friendly practices.

4. Optimized Cardboard Trays

Our cardboard trays for kit boxes have been optimized for various dimensions, enabling better utilization of fridge space. This improvement reduces storage capacity requirements, resulting in smaller fridges and lower energy consumption—further evidence of our holistic approach to sustainability.

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5. Streamlined Label Printing

To reduce waste and increase efficiency, our new label printers have been optimized. We are committed to using our older label printers until the end of their lifespan to maximize resource use.

6. LyoKits: Efficient and Sustainable

Our LyoKits are increasingly preferred over liquid kits due to their numerous sustainability advantages. Unlike liquid kits that require dry ice and -20°C storage and shipping, LyoKits are shipped at room temperature and stored at 4°C. This change significantly reduces the energy requirements and costs associated with shipping and storage. 

7. Digital Integration Through QR Codes

To further streamline our product experience, each new kit now includes a QR code that offers easy access to essential information such as item numbers, batch numbers and expiry dates. This digital enhancement facilitates better compatibility with various warehouse systems and supports digitalization efforts within customer processes.

8. Business Card for Easy Access to Resources

Instead of including short manuals or Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) within each kit, we now provide a business card that directs customers to a dedicated homepage containing all relevant manuals, data sheets and CoAs. This generic approach ensures all kits are up to date with the latest documentation, reducing paper waste and enhancing accessibility.

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From Core to External Solutions

Each of these initiatives reflects our commitment to optimizing packaging and reducing waste from the inside out. By focusing on practical changes that drive impactful results, Hygiena continues to lead by example in sustainability efforts within the industry.

Together, these steps demonstrate our pledge to create a more sustainable, resource-efficient future. We are excited to continue innovating and collaborating towards a greener world.