“We took a big step forward in our ongoing commitment to deliver sustainable solutions to our customers, quantifying the impact of our proprietary approach to making synthetic DNA,” said Emily M. Leproust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience. “Last year we quantified our chemical footprint and found that our silicon chip-based approach to creating DNA uses 99.8% fewer chemicals than 96-well plate approaches¹. This year, we’ve quantified the carbon footprint of manufacturing a single Twist gene compared to manufacturing a gene using a 96-well plate approach and the results are dramatic. Manufacturing one gene using the Twist method is equivalent to the emissions from driving a gas car 0.092 miles or 0.15 kilometers². The amount of CO₂e emitted using a standard 96-well plate approach is equivalent to driving 59 miles or 96 kilometers. The more sustainable synthetic DNA we provide to our customers is not new; we have just quantified the emissions impact of our proprietary approach, which then carries through to all of our customers who use our DNA for new therapies, diagnostic tests, materials, biobased chemicals, and more.”

Dr. Leproust continued, “In addition to the quantification data, we continue to exemplify good environmental, social and governance practices. We joined the United Nations Global Compact and committed to Sustainable Development Goals focused on sustainability, food security, health and gender equality. As a company, we continue to foster a diverse workforce and support career growth and development while running an ethical business with cyber and biosecurity measures in place.”

Sustainable Platform and Minimal Carbon Footprint

Twist has quantified the carbon footprint of manufacturing a single gene using its silicon chip-based platform compared to approaches that use a 96-well plate. Twist’s approach emits 36 grams (0.036 kilograms) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per gene, compared to up to 23,000 grams (23 kilograms) per gene emitted by 96-well plate approaches¹. The calculation to determine the carbon footprint of Twist’s process is validated by two independent consulting firms, Silinnov and SRI Quality System Registrar.

Beyond the sustainability of its platform, Twist has several internal recycling programs to reduce waste from nitrile gloves and plastic tip boxes. In 2022 Twist diverted 7,745 pounds of nitrile glove waste from landfills and diverted more than 21,760 pounds of waste since starting the program. As a result of its plastic tip recycling program, Twist diverted 7,635 pounds of single-use plastics from landfills. In 2023, Twist updated its packing materials with recyclable coolers and boxes made from 50% recycled material.

Fostering a Diverse Workforce

Twist continues to foster a diverse, inclusive and safe work environment. As of the end of fiscal 2022, 61% of Twist’s workforce identified as people of color, with women of color making up 25% of the organization³. Women make up 41% of the total workforce at Twist, and are well represented in leadership positions, accounting for 39% of the executive team and 33% of the Board of Directors. Twist is committed to diversity in its recruitment efforts and engages in partnerships with local community colleges in California, Oregon and Massachusetts.

Twist invests in developing talent, offering a year-long leadership program for mid-level managers and tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year for all employees. The company also invests in an online learning platform for employees to refine or develop their professional skills and explore new software to plan their career growth.

Twist grants employees eight hours of paid time off each year for volunteering. In fiscal 2022, Twist employees collectively volunteered 592 hours for various causes and organizations. In 2022, Twist earned Great Place to Work® Certification™ in the U.S. for the second consecutive year and for the first time in China, Germany, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Commitment to Ethics and Security

Twist is dedicated to protecting the digital information of its customers and employees. The company has robust cybersecurity and biosecurity policies and systems in place, including an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified information security management system. Twist performs rigorous biosecurity and export control screening to ensure that sequences of DNA that could pose significant risk if misused are not synthesized and shipped to unlicensed organizations. In addition, Twist works with governments as well as other DNA synthesis providers to develop, promote and evolve a consistent set of biosecurity best practices. To maintain ethical practices across the organization, Twist engages in red teaming and is meticulous in keeping records, reporting, and in allocating personnel resources to ensure that employees follow set policies and procedures.

To download the full report visit: https://www.twistbioscience.com/company/esg?tab=environmental