The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS), which manages the ISS National Laboratory, is hosting a sustainability challenge in partnership with Estée Lauder. This competition aims to use the orbiting laboratory to advance sustainability research by addressing the plastics dilemma.

The goal of the Sustainability Challenge is to use the unique environment of the ISS to develop, test or evolve products and processes that meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Reduce the introduction of plastic waste into the environment
• Seeking alternative raw materials and routes for polymer production beyond petrochemicals
• Reducing the manufacture of virgin plastic

“We are proud to be the exclusive partner of the ISS National Lab Sustainability Challenge, which funds research into alternatives to plastics for the future,” said Stephane de La Faverie, president of Estée Lauder and The Estée Lauder Companies. “As a global leader in the beauty industry, we are committed to advancing scientific research and innovation for more sustainable business practices. We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that could be truly transformative for our brand, our beloved consumers and the future of our planet.”

The competition is open to U.S. researchers. Successful …