Ego Pharmaceuticals, celebrating its 73rd year of operation, is one of Australia's leading manufacturers of dermatological and topical pharmaceutical products. The company's QC laboratory is responsible for the release testing of a broad portfolio of products built on pharmaceutical-grade excipients — including liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, and glycerin — that require rigorous compendial testing to BP, EP, and USP standards.

The automated workflow program was initiated following a commitment to three strategic objectives: maximizing laboratory efficiency and cost-effectiveness; advancing sustainability and green chemistry; and driving continuous innovation. The program has developed through a unique collaboration with Monash University, under which undergraduate and master's students contributed to method development and optimization as part of a supervised industry placement program.

In late 2025, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) presented Helen Evans-Lemmo with its Victorian Branch Industry Mentor of the Year Award, recognizing her coordination of the Ego / Monash University student placement program and her commitment to publishing the students' scientific contributions in peer-reviewed application notes.

The three automated workflows together represent a significant advance in laboratory sustainability. Cumulative solvent savings across routine testing of liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, and glycerin translate directly into reduced procurement of hazardous chemicals and substantially lower volumes of specialist waste for disposal. The ePrep ONE's stainless-steel needle technology eliminates single-use plastic pipette tips across all liquid-handling steps. Reductions in OOS events reduce the frequency of repeat testing and associated reagent consumption. The program aligns with the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry and positions Ego as a leader in sustainable pharmaceutical QC practice.