Abbott Reduces COVID-19 Test Packaging Size to Lower Environmental Impact
Abbott Laboratories has significantly reduced the packaging size of its COVID-19 home tests to decrease waste and material consumption. The packaging size reductions range from 31% to 33%.
Abbott Laboratories has implemented significant reductions in the size and material usage of its COVID-19 home test packaging. The company is rolling out new, smaller packaging for its BinaxNOW and Panbio tests in the U.S. and internationally.
In the U.S., the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test packaging is now 31% smaller. Plastic trays have been removed from the packaging to reduce waste, and the amount of paper documentation has been decreased by consolidating multiple fact sheets into one. Internationally, the Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test packaging is up to 33% smaller and 20% lighter.
For international tests, Abbott has also replaced the buffer bottle with a pre-filled extraction tube, simplifying the testing process. The nasal swab has been shortened to minimize waste and improve user experience. These changes do not affect the tests' performance or accuracy.
The company stated these adjustments are part of Abbott's broader sustainability plan, which aims to address 50 million pounds of packaging through high-impact sustainable design programs by 2030. Abbott is working to enhance the environmental profile of its products while also improving the user experience.