As laboratories worldwide seek to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising safety or performance, Erlab continues to advance its mission of creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable work environments. At the center of this commitment is GreenFumeHood® 3 (GFH3), Erlab’s next-generation ductless fume hood technology, designed to dramatically reduce energy consumption while preventing hazardous emissions from being released into the environment.
GreenFumeHood® 3: rethinking laboratory sustainability. Traditional ducted fume hoods continuously exhaust conditioned air outside the building, making them among the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment found in laboratories. GreenFumeHood® 3 offers a fundamentally different approach. Using Erlab’s proprietary Neutrodine® Unisorb molecular filtration technology, GFH3 captures chemical contaminants at the source and safely recirculates purified air back into the laboratory. The system is capable of filtering more than 700 chemicals, including solvents, acids, and bases, while eliminating atmos-pheric discharge of hazardous pollutants.
By removing the need for external ductwork and continuous air extraction, GFH3 significantly reduces HVAC energy demand and lowers operating costs. According to Erlab’s calculations, a single GFH3 unit can save thousands of kW-hours annually, helping laboratories decrease both energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
Beyond energy efficiency, GFH3 incorporates real-time monitoring, filtration status controls, airflow verification, and safety sensors that continuously ensure optimal operating conditions. This intelligent safety architecture provides users with documented protection while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Sustainability through pollution prevention. Unlike conventional exhaust systems that transfer airborne contaminants outside the building, Erlab filtration technologies are designed to capture and retain hazardous chemicals before they can be released into the atmosphere. This principle of source capture and filtration has long been a cornerstone of the company’s environmental value and continues to guide its innovation strategy.
By helping laboratories eliminate toxic emissions, reduce energy use, and extend equipment life through advanced filtration systems, Erlab supports a more circular and responsible approach to laboratory operations.
Erlab’s commitment to environmental responsibility also extends beyond the laboratory. Through its support of the Tara Ocean Foundation, which advances scientific research on climate change and its impact on ocean ecosystems, Erlab aligns with organizations that share its belief in science-based action to protect both human health and the environment.
A broader ESG commitment. Erlab’s sustainability efforts extend far beyond its products. The company has strengthened its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy through a structured ESG program covering environmental performance, labor and human rights, ethics, and responsible procurement. These efforts were recognized through the company’s recent EcoVadis Bronze Medal, achieved with a significant improvement in overall performance, reflecting the maturity of Erlab’s sustainability management system.
As part of its continuous improvement approach, Erlab has also completed its carbon foot-print assessment to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain. The results are helping future reduction initiatives and support data-driven environmental decision making.
Additional initiatives include:
· Integration of environmental and social criteria into procurement processes.
· Strengthening health and safety policies across the organization.
· Formalization of governance and ethics policies aligned with internationally recognized sustainability frameworks.
Shaping the sustainable laboratory of tomorrow. ‘‘As laboratories face increasing pressure to improve both safety and sustainability, we believe these objectives should never be viewed as competing priorities,’’ said M. Cédric Herry, VP Innovations at Erlab. ‘‘GreenFumeHood® 3 demonstrates that it is possible to protect laboratory workers, reduce energy consumption, eliminate hazardous emissions, and support climate goals at the same time.’’
Through innovative filtration technologies and a growing ESG strategy, Erlab remains committed to helping laboratories around the world operate more safely, more efficiently, and with a reduced environmental impact.
Founded in 1968, Erlab is a pioneer in molecular and particulate air filtration for chemical and biological environments. It designs innovative solutions for capturing pollutants, fume hoods, safety cabinet and air purification systems, to protect laboratory staff against inhalatory risks. With a turnover of EUR 45 million in 2025, and more than 200,000 installed equipment, Erlab has an international presence: Europe, America and Asia. Thanks to its Erlab Safety Program® and its eValiQuest® analysis tool, the company guarantees solutions adapted to air quality and safety issues.
