Single-Use Bioprocessing

Overview

Use of disposable polymer and plastic components in biopharmaceutical manufacturing; a major sustainability focus due to plastic waste, with circularity and extended product lifetimes identified as key paths forward. Biopharma generates less single-use plastic waste by volume compared to other industries, but the per-unit value of that waste is higher, making material value recovery and circularity a potentially viable business case if the industry can act collectively. Technology for recycling single-use bioprocessing polymers — either back into the same application or into better fit-for-use applications — already exists as demonstrated in other industries; biopharma adoption is a matter of industry-scale collaboration. (Single-Use Waste Context (Segment 3, 10:00-15:00))