A Collaborative Approach to Waste Reduction at APC & VLE Therapeutics

The Background

APC & VLE Therapeutics, part of The Medicine Accelerator, operate within a highly regulated pharmaceutical and laboratory environment where safety, compliance, and precision are paramount. Alongside their innovation in therapeutics and process development, both organisations identified an opportunity to strengthen waste segregation practices, reduce General Waste, and increase staff engagement in sustainability across office, canteen, and laboratory spaces without compromising operational efficiency or regulatory standards.

The Challenge

Waste generated across multiple environments including offices, staff canteens, and laboratories presented a complex challenge. While robust safety and compliance procedures were already embedded, recyclable and organic materials were still being disposed of in General Waste streams. APC & VLE Therapeutics sought a solution that would improve segregation accuracy, empower staff at all levels, and embed long-term sustainable behaviours, all while maintaining uninterrupted laboratory operations and strict compliance requirements.

The Solutions

Following a detailed site visit and sustainability assessment, KeyGreen partnered with the APC & VLE Therapeutics BeGreen Sustainability Committee to deliver a practical, compliant, and people-focused waste management solution. The tailored approach included:

• Customised signage and bin labelling across canteen and laboratory areas, designed to support quick, clear, and accurate waste segregation for all staff.
• On-site sustainability waste training, delivered by Oscar, providing clear guidance on waste segregation, correct disposal of each waste stream, and insight into what happens to waste once it leaves the site.
• Enhanced laboratory recycling infrastructure, improving segregation within existing lab workflows and diverting suitable materials from General Waste to recycling, while maintaining strict safety standards.
• On-site composting practices, ensuring Organic Waste such as hand paper towels where safe and appropriate was correctly captured and processed in line with operational requirements.

The Result

• 33% reduction in General Waste
• 80% increase in Dry Mixed Recycling and cardboard bale diversion from General Waste
• Improved staff awareness and engagement in waste segregation across office, canteen, and laboratory teams

These results demonstrate how targeted education, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, and staff engagement can deliver meaningful waste reduction in highly regulated pharmaceutical and laboratory environments.

Period: Jan–Dec 2025 vs. Jan–Dec 2024

"Sustainability is central to everything we do at The Medicine Accelerator, and KeyGreen has been a vital partner in helping us achieve our vision to be the greenest and most sustainable Irish pharmaceutical company. Their solutions have empowered our teams to adopt sustainable practices seamlessly, delivering measurable waste reduction and increased recycling. Together, we are leading by example in bringing medicines to market responsibly, ensuring the safety of our people and the planet."

Claire Cagney EHS and Sustainability Lead

Looking Ahead

Building on this success, APC & VLE Therapeutics plan to continue strengthening staff engagement through the BeGreen Sustainability Committee while identifying further opportunities to improve waste segregation across laboratory and office environments. With strong foundations now in place and ongoing support from KeyGreen, both organisations are well-positioned to advance their sustainability objectives while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.