Life science and pharmaceutical organizations are pursuing goals such as product redesign and circularity initiatives, including take-back programs and brand-agnostic collection systems. There is a clear need for increased cross-functional collaboration to advance material circularity, particularly for plastics, across the industry. Additionally, there is strong demand for a community-focused educational platform that is action and solution-oriented. 

This coalition moves beyond academic study to catalyze real-world deployments of product takeback and novel recycling programs that support the life sciences and pharma industries. Though other groups exist to build community engagement and collaboration, and provide valuable case studies and continued learning, there is a unique opportunity to develop a coalition that would possess the following characteristics.

• Dedicated to advancing circularity in the Northeast U.S. where progress is often constrained by reverse logistics challenges
• Focused on circularity specifically in the life science and pharma industries
• Includes education (examples include biobased- and bio-plastics, advanced recycling, life cycle analyses, etc.
• Focused on amplifying established solutions for material streams that are prominent in the lab and productio
• Investigates innovative solutions for difficult-to-manage streams such as bioprocessing bags and films
• Provides access to industry stakeholders through NERC membership
• Adopts a non-competitive approach allowing for dialogue and engagement in pilot projects
• Connects actors across the entire value chain, building a community
• Includes in-person events to foster and sustain the community building element

• Scientists
• Procurement / Lab Managers
• Sustainability Leads
• Recyclers
• Raw Material Suppliers
• Manufacturers and Distributors

• Access to participate in pilot projects 
• Visibility in case studies 
• Networking opportunities  
• Early access to a solutions database 
• Speaking opportunities at NERC events 

• Annual financial contribution according to NERC Membership tiers: nerc.org/join-nerc
• Participation in at least 4 out of 6 annual coalition meetings (meeting duration is 90 minutes) 
• Engagement in at least one of the three primary activity pillars: solutions database, education, and pilot projects
• Ability and willingness to track impact within organization’s engagement in activities