Giving New Life to Returned Products

In a world where sustainability and inclusivity are essential, the act of re-purposing returned laboratory equipment is making waves. Doing so gives unused instruments a second life — and bridges technological divides, encourages global collaboration, and supports a more inclusive scientific community.

Universities and research institutions in lower-income countries face a difficult balancing act. Imagine trying to keep up with the latest technology trends on a shoestring budget. But buying the newest lab equipment is just the start. There is the cost of keeping equipment running smoothly, training people to use the new tools, and ensuring digital security. In addition, some institutions are in remote rural areas, where even getting decent internet is difficult. All these challenges create ripple effects. The world may miss out on important findings that improve public health, energy use, or food systems. When schools can't access or afford needed tools students might miss out on learning vital skills. This can limit the development of leaders, innovators, and policymakers. Laboratory equipment is not just about staying current; it's necessary for solving real-world challenges.

Re-purposing returned laboratory equipment offers a win-win solution for universities in lower-income countries and for the environment. Instead of relegating perfectly functional or slightly flawed equipment to the scrap heap, reusing it supplies educational institutions with essential tools. This approach not only bridges the technological gap but also aligns with sustainable practices. Scrapping returned or custom-made products contributes to waste and wastes resources that went into their production. Reusing these products gives them a second life, reducing the demand for new manufacturing and conserving materials and energy.

EquipSent is a nonprofit spinoff of ETH Zurich (the Swiss federal institute of technology) that matches equipment donors with recipients in need of that equipment. In 2022, METTLER TOLEDO partnered with EquipSent to deliver one precision balance ML802 and one analytical balance MS204, plus a variety of pipette tips, to researchers at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Mbita, Homa Bay County, Kenya. ICIPE was established as a pioneering center to expand the scientific community in Africa and promote excellence from African researchers and international collaborations. Its focus are tropical and vector-borne diseases, including sustainable development, food security, and health.

“The laboratory scales donated by METTLER TOLEDO allow us to improve our diagnostics and research activities in the field of malaria eradication,” explained Dr. Laura Barbieri, a researcher at ICIPE. She added that the donation extends beyond the immediate utility of the equipment. “We believe that it is in the essence of science to be open and based on a collaborative effort to accomplish shared goals,” she said. For Dr. Barbieri, the donation sends a message of global unity and inclusion.

Giving returned equipment a new life shows that progress isn't only measured by new inventions or breakthroughs—but also by the inclusivity and sustainability of our actions. Re-purposing equipment conserves resources, supports education, and nurtures scientific progress around the world—which may itself lead to new breakthroughs.