Biodegradable Pipette Tip Racks
Reduce Plastic Waste with EarthRack
Rainin biodegradable pipette tip racks are made from refined cellulose that is both biodegradable and compostable. EarthRack™ is an ideal solution for laboratories working to reduce plastic waste – the thin, recyclable polypropylene tip deck is the only plastic component. EarthRack is also certified BioClean Green, a rigorous new testing regimen developed by Rainin to ensure the purity of tips packaged in cellulose packaging.
Advantages of Biodegradable Pipette Tip Boxes
Biodegradable and Earth Friendly
EarthRack’s lid and base are composed of a biodegradable, rapidly renewable bamboo and sugar cane cellulose material that can be composted at municipal facilities. When placed in a landfill, they biodegrade.
Reduces Plastic Waste
With up to 75% less plastic than conventional racks, EarthRack is an effective way for laboratories to achieve their sustainability goals.
Less Carbon
When composted, incinerated, or deposited into a landfill, EarthRack’s cellulose components contribute no net increase in atmospheric CO2. Carbon absorbed during initial plant growth is simply returned to the atmosphere.
BioClean Green
Rainin developed this comprehensive testing regimen to assure the purity of pipette tips packaged in tip packaging materials derived from cellulose.
ACT Certified
EarthRack cellulose materials and tips are subjected to individual testing procedures. Tips are tested after exposure to the interior of the EarthRack product for the presence of biological contaminants.
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Expert Service – Tailored to Fit Your Pipetting Needs
METTLER TOLEDO supports and services your pipettes through their entire life-cycle, from good pipetting techniques to preventive maintenance and calibration to equipment repair.
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FAQs
What are EarthRacks?
EarthRack is a new, first of its kind tip rack that is composed almost entirely of molded cellulose.
How do compostable pipette tip racks differ from traditional plastic ones?
The primary difference between EarthRack and conventional plastic racks is the amount of plastic mass they contain and the resulting plastic waste they generate. This is directly related to their impact on the environment, both in terms of plastic waste and the amount of CO2 they release into the atmosphere. For example, an EarthRack has 67-70% less plastic weight than the conventional Rainin polypropylene tip rack. This is the mass of plastic waste eliminated from landfills or incineration. Cellulose is regarded as "carbon neutral" and does not require petroleum as the starting material.
What is the composition of the EarthRack cellulose material?
EarthRack’s base and lid are composed of a blend of rapidly renewable bamboo and sugar cane fibers.
Is the entire EarthRack structure (all components) biodegradable and compostable?
67-70% of the entire ER mass is compostable. The polypropylene tip deck (an unavoidable plastic component) is not. A polypropylene tip deck is necessary because a hard, inflexible substance is required to accommodate the focused forces associated with tip loading.
Can EarthRacks be used with both LTS and UNV tips pipette tips?
EarthRack is only with three volumes of LTS tips (20 µL, 200 µL and 1000 µL).
Can EarthRacks be used with both single- and multichannel LTS pipettes?
Yes, EarthRack is designed for both single- and multi-channel LTS pipettes.
Are EarthRacks as sturdy and durable as plastic tip racks?
Not quite. Cellulose is somewhat compressible and flexes more easily than the polypropylene walls of conventional plastic tip racks. However, ERs exceed the strength required for routine tip loading with both single- and multichannel pipettes.
Does EarthRack have a hinged lid?
No. This is presently not achievable with the current cellulose molding techniques.
What are the disposal options for EarthRack?
Remove the polypropylene tip deck and place it in the Class #5 plastic waste container. All remaining EarthRack components should preferably be disposed of with compostable waste. If that’s not an option, EarthRack will biodegrade when landfilled.
Are EarthRacks waterproof?
No, but they are moderately water-resistant. If water is dripped onto ER, it should be removed within a few minutes to prevent absorption and softening of the cellulose material. An EarthRack should never be left in standing water. EarthRacks can be surface-sterilized by spraying them with alcohol.
Are the Earthrack tips BioClean Ultra?
No. They are certified to be "BioClean Green" – a new, rigorous testing process designed specifically for naturally-sourced materials.
Are EarthRacks more expensive than traditional plastic ones?
Yes, this is due to the costs associated with sourcing, molding, and testing the cellulose material. The list prices are approximately 10% higher than more conventional rack products.
Do EarthRacks have any limitations?
In terms of customer applications, we have presently not identified any. It is conceivable that certain areas exist within individual customer labs in which the avoidance of cellulose fibers is viewed as important.