ACT Ecolabel Program: Simplifying Sustainable Procurement
Why the ACT Ecolabel Program Is Becoming the Gold Standard for Laboratory Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in the laboratory sector. Universities, research institutes, healthcare organisations and commercial laboratories are all under increasing pressure to make more environmentally responsible purchasing decisions. However, identifying the most sustainable option is not always straightforward.
At Appleton Woods, we believe better decisions start with better information. That's why we have become a channel partner for the ACT Ecolabel Program, helping customers access reliable sustainability data while supporting our own commitment to driving positive environmental change across the life science sector.
Bringing Consistency to Sustainable Product Comparisons
Created by My Green Lab, the ACT Ecolabel Program provides independent, third-party verified sustainability data for laboratory products. Products are assessed using a consistent set of criteria covering areas such as manufacturing, packaging, energy consumption, chemical safety and end-of-life impacts.
This standardised approach allows laboratories and procurement teams to compare products using the same framework, regardless of brand or manufacturer. Rather than reviewing different sustainability claims or supplier questionnaires, customers can evaluate products side by side using data gathered through a recognised assessment process.
For organisations looking to embed sustainability into procurement, this makes comparisons clearer, simpler and more meaningful.
Supporting the Evolving Needs of Laboratories
As sustainability requirements continue to grow, organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.
Many universities, research institutions and commercial laboratories now have formal sustainability targets, while funding bodies and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on environmental performance. Procurement therefore plays an important role in helping organisations achieve these objectives.
By providing clear and measurable sustainability information, the ACT Ecolabel Program helps laboratories make purchasing decisions that align with broader environmental goals while reducing the complexity often associated with sustainability assessments.
Why Appleton Woods Supports the ACT Ecolabel Program
For us, this partnership is about more than introducing another sustainability initiative. We see ACT as a practical tool that helps both our customers and our business make smarter, more informed decisions.
By making trusted sustainability data easier to access, we can help laboratories identify products that align with their environmental goals and simplify the procurement process. At the same time, ACT supports our own sustainability ambitions by providing a recognised framework that allows us to better understand, assess and improve the environmental impact of the products we offer.
Our entire team is a My Green Lab Ambassador, giving us the knowledge and expertise to support customers on their sustainability journey. We are also committed to working closely with suppliers to encourage wider adoption of ACT certification and increase the availability of sustainability information across the laboratory market.
Looking Ahead
Our next step is to work closely with the ACT Ecolabel team and participating suppliers to gather, display and share ACT data across our product portfolio.
We also recognise that access to data is only part of the solution. As more ACT-labelled products become available, we will continue to provide guidance, resources and educational content to help customers understand the information available and use it to support their purchasing decisions.
As sustainability expectations continue to evolve, access to transparent and standardised product data will become increasingly important. Through our partnership with the ACT Ecolabel Program, we aim to help laboratories make more sustainable choices, support suppliers in demonstrating their environmental progress and contribute to a more sustainable future for science.
Get in touch with our friendly team to discover how we can help you make more sustainable purchasing decisions.