Sustainability has been a topic of great concern for businesses across industries, including the pharmaceutical sector.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has been placing significant emphasis on sustainability in several key areas, such as reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and improving transparency in the supply chain.
Let’s look at how this sustainability trend is anticipated to continue through 2023 and beyond.

Why Sustainability Matters in Pharma

First, let’s consider why pharmaceutical companies care about sustainability in the first place.

There’s no question that the pharmaceutical industry has a massive carbon footprint. It has been compared to the automotive industry, which is known as one of the worst offenders in the fight against climate change.

One key reason for this is that pharmaceutical manufacturing releases toxins into the environment during the production phase. One such threat is the release of antibiotics into the atmosphere, which may inadvertently lead to the development of pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics and, thus, more difficult to treat.

Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry is known to produce a lot of waste and greenhouse gases that are emitted into the air, impacting plants, animals, and humans. It also utilizes massive volumes of water and energy during the production cycle.

Finally, there is the issue of social sustainability, which entails finding ways to offer pharmaceutical access to developing countries that lack funding for healthcare.

What Steps are Being Taken in the Race for Sustainability

Recognizing the need to develop and implement more sustainable practices, the pharmaceutical industry has taken several steps to minimize its carbon footprint. Here are a few things happening now that will continue to impact the industry in the foreseeable future.

1.Clean up operations

The first step toward becoming more sustainable is finding cleaner pharmaceutical manufacturing methods. By lowering energy consumption and minimizing environmental waste, the pharmaceutical industry can reduce ecological pollution that impacts all living things on Earth.

2.Develop new packaging solutions

Pharmaceutical packaging has a unique set of challenges, which has historically led to an arguably excessive use of materials to ensure safe transport and temperature control. However, recent developments in packaging allow for more sustainable packaging practices.

For example, bio-based plastics (PLAs) require 65 percent less energy to produce than traditional types of packaging. In addition, they can be temperature controlled, making them ideal for packaging medications.

3.Invest in low-income countries

To become more socially sustainable, pharmaceutical companies must invest in low-income countries, which typically lack access to affordable healthcare.

In addition to benefitting the people living in these countries, such an investment can have a healthy ROI. For example, a recent study found that every $1 invested in healthcare in low-income countries will yield a return of $2 – $4.

The Future of Sustainability in Pharma

The need for commitment to sustainable practices will continue for the pharmaceutical industry in 2023 and beyond.

As technological advancements continue to accelerate the speed of production, it will be more critical than ever for pharmaceutical companies to follow sustainable practices that protect the health of patients and the environment.

References

Nawrat, A. (2022, February 14). Pharma and the environment: Why pollution remains a worrying trend. Pharmaceutical Technology. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/pharma-and-the-environment-pollution-trend/

Pharmaceutical manufacturers can no longer take a pass on sustainable packaging. Healthcare Packaging. (2022, March 26). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.healthcarepackaging.com/markets/pharmaceutical/article/22132030/pmmi-pharmaceutical-manufacturers-can-no-longer-take-a-pass-on-sustainable-packaging

Remes, J., Wilson, M., & Ramdorai, A. (2022, March 9). How investing in health has a significant economic payoff for developing economies. Brookings. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2020/07/21/how-investing-in-health-has-a-significant-economic-payoff-for-developing-economies

Striving for sustainability. The Medicine Maker. (2022, October 6). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://themedicinemaker.com/business-regulation/the-pharma-industry-straining-for-sustainability

Vara, V. (2022, February 22). Environmental sustainability in pharma industry has to be addressed: Poll. Pharmaceutical Technology. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/environmental-sustainability-in-the-pharmaceutical-industry-needs-to-be-addressed-the-most-poll/