Knauer Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH (Berlin, Germany) has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award 2026 in the Products category. The nomination recognizes the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable product development, responsible innovation, and environmentally conscious corporate practices, according to a press release on the Knauer website (1).
Knauer has long been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into laboratory technology, a sector where energy consumption, chemical apply, and equipment longevity are critical concerns. The company’s Azura (U)HPLC systems have been designed with energy efficiency, durability, and minimal environmental impact in mind, with components that are both repairable and recyclable. Packaging is minimized to reduce waste, and production processes are continuously optimized to decrease the company’s ecological footprint. A major factor in the systems’ sustainability is their efficiency during operation. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) technology enables shorter analysis times, reducing solvent usage and laboratory waste while maintaining separation performance.
The Azura systems have already received the ACT-Ecolabel, underscoring Knauer’s focus on environmentally responsible laboratory solutions. Developed by My Green Lab, the ACT-Ecolabel delivers clear, standardized environmental impact ratings for laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables, evaluating factors such as manufacturing processes, energy and water consumption, and finish-of-life disposal methods.
This nomination for the German Sustainability Award highlights Knauer’s role as a leader in environmentally responsible laboratory technology. Speaking via a press release on the Knauer website, Alexandra Knauer, CEO of Knauer GmbH, expressed her pride in the recognition: “We are very pleased about the nomination for the DNP 2026! It confirms our ambition to create sustainable solutions that truly build a difference—for our customers, but also for the environment and society.”
The company has established an internal culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility, involving employees directly in initiatives that improve the workplace and the community. During the company’s annual Sustainability Week, employees participate in a range of programs, from workshops on sustainable gardening to hands-on projects such as installing bird boxes in company gardens. In addition, cross-departmental working groups dedicate time to identifying opportunities for reducing environmental impact and propose actionable improvements directly to management.
Knauer also addresses broader environmental challenges. In 2025, the company focapplyd on reducing the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (“forever chemicals”), demonstrating proactive measures to minimize hazardous substances in the workplace and in laboratory operations.
The German Sustainability Award, now in its 18th edition, is Europe’s largest accolade for ecological and social commitment. Winners will be announced during the DNP Congress on December 4 and 5, 2025, in Düsseldorf.
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Reference
(1) Knauer nominated for German Sustainability Award 2026, Knauer website
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