Environment

Eurofins considers that, due to the very essence of its mission and activities, it is contributing to the improvement of the wellbeing of all and to the protection of our environment. The sense of urgency to improve and protect the health of our planet is at the forefront of many of our testing services within multiple business lines that offer services to help our clients reduce their environmental impact. We also embed these values into our own actions by continuing to reduce consumption and improve environmental stewardship and energy conservation at sites all over the world.

Consumption of Scarce Resources

In general, the activity of Eurofins as a provider of testing and analysis services necessitates the use of limited amounts of water, raw material and energy (principally electricity). The Group is aware that the long-term conservation of scarce resources will benefit not only the planet but also its own profitability. As water, raw materials and energy are all costs to the business, managers are always looking at reducing their consumption as part of sustainable operating practices. It is important to find better ways to achieve economic growth without environmental degradation.

Subsidiaries in Brazil, the Benelux and Scandinavia, among others, already attempt wherever possible to use renewable energy such as that generated by wind, water or the Sun. Several laboratories also use energy created by recycled heat or from waste-fired energy generators.

Furthermore, Eurofins' large investment programmes in new and better laboratories result in more environmentally friendly facilities. Energy conservation is considered and encouraged in new building and laboratory design, modern and innovative equipment purchases, building project upgrades and behavioural changes. Many sites have installed solar panels and are actively converting to LED lighting.

Pollution and Contamination

Eurofins companies take pride in our approach to waste management through our testing services and internal policies and practices. Local regulations for waste disposal (hazardous laboratory waste, non-hazardous waste, wastewater etc.) are strictly adhered to. Eurofins Environment Testing business line offers a wide array of waste testing services, including sampling and testing of generic waste (industrial and civil sectors), building materials (asbestos and lead), chemicals, hazardous waste and wastewater. By its very nature, through the work Eurofins laboratories do every day, the Group contributes to the protection of the environment by monitoring pollution and contamination.

Recycling

Recycling is now a normal part of life in many countries. Eurofins laboratories recycle a wide range of products: paper, glass, plastic, cardboard, batteries, aluminum and IT equipment. Many sites have recycling initiatives that go beyond what is required by their local districts and municipalities. For example, collecting organic waste for biomass production in Denmark or collaborating with local schools in the United States to upcycle unused laboratory consumables and older equipment.

Environmental Risk Management

Several Eurofins laboratories have developed and set up dedicated training programmes on good practice in terms of environmental risk management (e.g. safe use of chemicals and their application, proper waste disposal, autoclaving systems for decontamination, etc.). Some of the laboratories have their own department or person responsible for safety (Safety Officers or Health & Safety Managers) which carries out regular inspection and internal training on the issues of safety and the protection of the environment. Several laboratories have opted for voluntary environmental management accreditation by following international standards (such as ISO 14001), to reflect their commitment to safeguarding the environment.