Thus, EMD Millipore is working with five large biopharma companies to launch a "takeback and recycling" program for used disposable filters and other components. A third-party vendor assists in retrieving and transporting used products to recycling facilities. Recyclables are reprocessed and repurposed into other plastic items such as pallets, Jobin says. Non-recyclable components are sent to a cement kiln and blended with other materials to be used as an alternative fuel source. It's a win-win when a supplier can help a customer to achieve sustainability goals, Jobin says. "We wanted to make it as simple as possible to avoid any disruption to their business." For example, she says, no sorting or separating is required of operators or janitorial staff—the only condition is that the products placed in recycling bins have not been used in hazardous processes. EMD Millipore plans to expand the program to the entire U.S. soon, then to its other key global markets.