How Promega Supports Sustainable Science

Posted on by Simon Moe

What is ACT and why does it matter?

The ACT label stands for Accountability, Consistency and Transparency. The ACT label provides information on the environmental impact of life science products to help researchers make informed choices about the products they use in their labs. ACT was developed by the non-profit organization My Green Lab, in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL).

The ACT label is one of the most comprehensive product labels for the life sciences. It measures the environmental impact of a product across four categories: manufacturing, user impact, end of life, and innovation. The criterion was developed with input from industry leaders, scientists, manufacturers, and sustainability directors. Most categories are scored on a scale from 1 to 10; 10 being the highest score. Other values are assigned a yes/no value or in some instances, a specific value per day (ex. kWh/day). The Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) is the summation of these categories. The varying energy usage and distinct reports across global markets has resulted in separate awards for different world regions. By choosing products with the ACT label, researchers can align their purchasing behaviors with any goals of reducing their environmental footprint and support sustainable practices in the life science industry.

What are T-Vectors and how do they help you clone with confidence?

T-Vectors are linearized plasmids that have single 3′-end thymidine (T) overhangs at both ends. These overhangs take advantage of Taq polymerase and other thermostable polymerases that add a single adenine (A) overhang to the 3′-ends of the PCR product. These T and A overhangs complement each other and facilitate efficient and directional hybridization with and cloning of PCR products.

The use of T-Vectors can offer several advantages over conventional cloning vectors, including:

  • Simplify the cloning workflow without the need for blunting or adding overhangs to the PCR product
  • Highly efficient and specific annealing leading to higher ligation efficiency
  • Increased versatility through compatibility with any PCR product with A overhangs
  • Convenient blue/white selection of recombinant clones

Promega offers a range of T-Vectors for different applications, such as the pGEM®-T Vector Systems which removes the insert with a BstZI single digest. For more convenience, we also offer the pGEM®-T Easy Vector Systems, which provides three restriction enzyme options for removing an insert (BstZI, EcoRI, or NotI). Because the T-Vectors provide rapid ligation, and are available with competent cells, these are our most popular and versatile T-Vectors. They are suitable for cloning PCR products from any source and expressing them in E. coli.

The Promega pGEM®-T Easy Vector Systems were awarded a US Environmental Impact Factor of 42.8, according to the ACT Database.

How does Promega support the principles of ACT and sustainable science?

Promega’s processes align with the principles of ACT in several ways.

  1. Accountability: Promega has implemented various sustainability initiatives at our manufacturing facilities, including waste diversion, energy usage reduction, and responsible chemical management. Here are a few fast facts:
    • In 2023, over 4 tons of nitrile gloves and protective garments were diverted through the RIGHTCycle™ program.
    • Promega reduced its carbon footprint by 38% from 2019 to 2023.
    • In the last four years, renewable energy usage has increased nearly ten-fold at Promega buildings.
    • In 2017, Kimberly-Clark’s Chelsea Santucci Greenovation Award was given for the diversion of 6,187 pounds of waste from landfills.
  2. Consistency: The production processes for many Promega products, including those for the pGEM®-T Easy Vector Systems, are consistent with sustainable practices. These include an agreement with Madison Gas & Electric to purchase renewable energy from the O-Brien Solar Fields project. The use of renewable energy and efficient resource management practices continues to ensure these products are manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner.
  3. Transparency: Promega’s participation in the ACT label program and the assignment of an Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) to their products provide transparency regarding the environmental impact of their products. This allows researchers to make informed choices about the products they use, aligning their purchasing decisions with sustainability goals.

Promega continues to make commitments to improving sustainability and reduce emissions with renewable energy and efficiency gains. Learn more about Promega corporate sustainability on our website and other sustainable practices at Promega.

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Simon Moe

Simon Moe

Simon is an Associate Product Marketing Manager that joined Promega in 2023. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Iowa State University where he studied genetic regulation of the developing nervous system. He enjoys science fiction novels, long-distance running, and spending time with his wife and two cats.

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