Measuring to reduce environmental impact: how bioMérieux is acting across our diagnostic solutions
By the bioMérieux Editors | Reading time: 5 min
PUBLICATION DATE: June 05, 2026
Improving our products’ environmental performance is a core pillar of our commitment to protecting the planet. For several years, bioMérieux has been implementing a continuous improvement approach based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of our diagnostic solutions. The goal is to measure our products’ impact on the climate and environment across the entire value chain — from manufacturing and customer use to end-of-life management.
As a global leader in in vitro diagnostics, bioMérieux is committed to addressing two key priorities: developing, manufacturing, and distributing high-performing diagnostic solutions that improve health worldwide; and acting responsibly to help preserve a healthy planet for future generations.
In this context, assessing the environmental footprint of our solutions is a key lever to guide our actions and support the development of efficient solutions with a lower environmental impact.
Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are at the core of our eco-design strategy
LCAs measure the environmental impact of our tests and instruments throughout their entire value chain using 16 indicators, including climate change impact, water resource use, mineral resource depletion, and soil and water acidification. Based on extensive data collection and analysis, this methodology helps identify and quantify the main sources of environmental impact, whether related to packaging components, instrument energy consumption, or raw materials.
To date, more than 97% of the products we sell have undergone an LCA. These assessments provide a foundation for identifying priority action areas and implementing effective, measurable improvements. They also support the development of environmental performance roadmaps for each product range, with the objective of reducing their overall footprint.
This work has already led to the definition of new, concrete CSR commitments: reducing virgin (non-recycled) plastic use per test sold by 25% and reducing energy consumption per instrument by 25% by 2034, compared with 2023 levels.
“By bringing together all relevant functions through a cross-functional approach and relying on robust data, LCAs provide a strong structural foundation for our environmental strategy. They are also systematically reviewed by independent third parties to ensure their reliability. This represents a significant investment for bioMérieux.”
Eco-design applies to new products in the earliest R&D stages and to existing product ranges that are being optimized. Its deployment is supported by a network of 45 team members across various functions. These eco-partners play a key role in translating LCA results into concrete actions: they help identify solutions, challenge technical choices, and integrate eco-design into day-to-day operational practices. Alongside the creation of this eco-partner network, bioMérieux is also rolling out training programs to help team members integrate eco-design principles into their day-to-day work.
What VIDAS® LCA findings have taught us and the eco-design actions implemented
Our VIDAS® immunoassay range was the first to undergo a Life Cycle Assessment. Thanks to the commitment of our R&D, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain teams, several environmental improvements have already been implemented, including:
- Extending test shelf life to up to 18 or even 24 months has significantly reduced product waste caused by expiration
- Reducing recalibration frequency for around ten tests, which lowers the number of tests required to recalibrate instruments and decreases both the volume and number of calibrator and control vials included in kits
- Reducing reagent volumes in VIDAS® cartridges and cones for parameters currently under development, with the goal of lowering water, energy, and raw material consumption
- Sourcing raw materials closer to manufacturing sites to reduce transportation-related environmental impact
- Developing multiplex tests such as VIDAS® HIV DUO Ultra and VIDAS® NEPHROCHECK®, which provide multiple immunological results using a single set of cones and cartridges, thereby reducing environmental impact
- Redesigning reagent kit cardboard packaging and cartridge trays, resulting in annual savings of 36 tons of cardboard and 21 tons of plastic
The example of VIDAS® highlights the value and relevance of a tool like LCA, not only for measuring and identifying areas for action, but also for engaging teams and embedding eco-design into operational practices.
It is this combination of rigorous analysis and collective commitment that enables us to transform results into concrete and measurable improvements, helping to reduce both our environmental impact and that of our customers. This approach is part of a continuous improvement journey and is now being rolled out across nearly all our product ranges.
