US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is contributing to the sustainability of biologics therapy manufacturing by leveraging plant-based materials, rather than fossil fuel materials, to deliver lower-carbon, biobased films for its single-use technology bioprocessing containers (BPCs).

The biobased films build on Thermo Fisher’s existing Aegis™ and CX film offerings that are widely used and validated by customers. As a result, customers can maintain consistency in their BPCs while also realising a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By adopting biobased, sustainable films in their BPCs, Thermo Fisher customers can eliminate carbon emissions related to the plastic resin.

The biobased films have earned an International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification, a globally recognized certification for circular and biobased products. Biopharma manufacturers can pre-purchase the biobased films now to incorporate into their upstream or downstream system in early 2025. In addition, Thermo Fisher will support customers as they track their carbon reduction quantities and advance towards their sustainability objectives.

In addition to offering BPCs with biobased film, Thermo Fisher connects customers with recyclers to enable recycling of BPCs after use. This programme helps biopharma manufacturers divert waste from landfill or carbon-intensive incineration, advancing their sustainability goals through a convenient recycling service that turns BPCs into high-quality plastic lumber. Approximately 400,000 pounds of plastic waste has been diverted from landfills or incineration since initiation of the programme.