BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Envetec Sustainable Technologies have announced the successful completion of a feasibility study aimed at recycling laboratory plastics, particularly polystyrene Petri dishes, into new manufacturing materials. Conducted across multiple locations, including Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Birdhill, Colorado, and Tipperary, Ireland, this initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable practices in healthcare supply chains.
The study, revealed on January 29, 2026, showcased the potential to recycle high-quality polymers, such as polystyrene, polyester (PET), polypropylene, and polyethylene, which are widely used in medical devices. Through a validated low-energy chemical disinfection process, Envetec’s GENERATIONS® technology transforms regulated waste into recyclable polymer flakes. The pilot project utilized unused BD BBL™ prepared plated media, which were processed as post-industrial materials.
In the pilot, the Petri dishes and their contents were shredded, chemically disinfected, and converted into clean polymer flakes. These flakes were then extruded into polystyrene pellets and molded into prototypes of new Petri dishes. Preliminary results from material property testing and molding feasibility indicate promising outcomes for this recycling approach.
Malcolm Bell, CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, expressed optimism about the findings. “This pilot marks the first step in a broader effort to demonstrate the feasibility of recovering and recycling multiple types of plastic products across healthcare supply chains,” he stated. Bell emphasized the importance of establishing a pathway for safely treating regulated plastics and returning them to productive use, thus promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste.
The collaboration between BD and Envetec aims to reduce reliance on virgin plastic materials while keeping valuable polymers in circulation. Nikos Pavlidis, worldwide president of Diagnostic Solutions at BD, acknowledged the critical role of single-use devices in modern healthcare but also highlighted the environmental impacts of these materials. “This pilot, conducted by BD’s Sustainable Medical Technologies Institute, represents an important step toward enabling circular economy solutions for other high-volume healthcare consumables,” he said.
Envetec’s GENERATIONS technology is currently being deployed in various sectors, including biopharma, life sciences, hospitals, and food and beverage industries across the United States and Europe. This innovative process is transforming regulated medical and biohazardous waste into clean polymer flakes suitable for recycling.
The collaboration seeks to develop sustainable circular pathways for treated laboratory plastics, aiming to convert clean flakes into recycled pellets, and where feasible, into new plastic products. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions within the healthcare industry.
Both companies see significant opportunities for expanding this pilot project, which could influence the future of plastic use in healthcare. The successful implementation of this recycling process not only addresses environmental concerns but also reflects a commitment to advancing healthcare sustainability.
For more information about BD and its initiatives, visit their website at bd.com or connect with them through their social media platforms. Envetec Sustainable Technologies, known for its innovative approaches to waste treatment, continues to lead the way in creating sustainable solutions for the healthcare sector.
