Although it is less exposed Mediatically compared to other industrial areas, pharmaceutical sector cannot escape the commitment to sustainability and its complex implications.
What you'll find in this article:
- the real environmental impact linked to the pharmaceutical sector;
- current trends within the sector;
- the ways in which the European Union is promoting a more sustainable pharmaceutical sector;
- the levers that are pushing the sector towards greater sustainability;
- the main certifications for the pharmaceutical supply chain.
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What are the environmental impacts of the pharmaceutical industry?
The pharmaceutical industry has a significant environmental impact, responsible for about 4-5% of global emissions (Source: My Green Lab) of greenhouse gases, a share comparable to that of civil aviation. This topic, although little discussed, highlights a significant responsibility of the sector.
To fully understand the impacts of the sector, it is essential to consider not only direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2), but also those indirect Along the entire value chain (Scope 3), which represent the largest part.
In addition to emissions, another critical issue is the introduction into the environment of active pharmaceutical ingredients, designed to be biologically effective even at very low concentrations. The release of these pharmaceutical compounds in ecosystems, through urban, agricultural or sanitary waste, involves an accumulation in soil and water. This phenomenon can unpredictably alter natural balances, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, a phenomenon that occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve over time, becoming insensitive to medications.
A study commissioned by the German Ministry of the Environment, found the widespread presence of pharmaceutical residues in 71 countries, including the least developed ones, demonstrating the pervasiveness of the phenomenon (Source: AIFA).
Even the waste management represents an important environmental challenge: the sector generates more One million tons of waste every year, mostly related to disposable devices and plastic packaging, often difficult to recycle (Source: Ginux).
Only a little more than half of the companies have adopted solutions with sustainable packaging, while the integration of models of circular economy it's still very limited. Le stringent regulations and the need to guarantee the patient safety They make it difficult to abandon the disposable plastic, but this further fuels the global emergency of plastic pollution, aggravated by the complexity of the recycling chains, which are able to process small quantities of the plastic placed on the market.
Finally, even the water consumption is an important aspect to consider. The production of drugs, especially sterile ones, requires large amounts of water, which is used not only for chemical synthesis and formulations, but also for cleaning, sterilization and ancillary services.
Some phases, such as the production of active ingredients and lyophilization (a dehydration process used in the pharmaceutical industry for the storage of thermosensitive drugs, such as vaccines and biological products), can represent up to 35% of total water consumption (Source: A3P).
A detailed mapping of the processes and a targeted intervention at the points of greatest use could favor a more efficient management of water resources.
In summary, the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical sector is large, transversal and still little explored, but it represents a strategic area in which it is Urgent action to reconcile health and sustainability.
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The 5 trends for the future of the pharmaceutical sector
In the context of an industry in rapid evolution, the pharmaceutical sector is facing challenges and opportunities that require a profound transformation. Technological innovation, environmental attention and social inclusion are the pillars of this change.
Let's see which are the five trends that are reshaping the future of the sector.
1. Drive towards advanced therapies and personalized medicine
Genetic engineering and personalized medicine are revolutionizing the treatment of complex diseases, allowing for increasingly targeted and effective interventions. This trend requires increasing attention to ethical issues, as well as to the need for transparent regulations that guarantee safety in trials and protect patients' rights.
2. The growing role of artificial intelligence and big data
The adoption of real-time analysis systems and automated learning algorithms is accelerating drug research and production. However, the introduction of AI also involves new challenges in terms of the protection of sensitive data, the quality of the information processed and impacts on the world of work.
3. Responsible management of pharmaceutical waste
Increasing environmental restrictions are pushing the industry toward more sustainable waste management solutions. The goal is to reduce the impact of pharmaceutical waste on the ecosystem, while ensuring proper disposal of products and promoting circular practices along the entire production chain.
4. Strict quality and safety standards
Health and environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, forcing companies to rethink their production processes to ensure the protection of workers, the safety of medicines for patients and animal welfare. One of the directions taken is the reduction of animal testing, through alternative methods of validation.
5. Equitable access to medical treatment
The growing attention to issues of social justice and health security is leading companies and public institutions to collaborate to break down economic and logistical barriers to access treatment. This means increasing the availability of drugs and therapies at sustainable prices, making health services more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
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A pharmaceutical strategy for Europe: the 4 pillars
To deal with complex challenges that the pharmaceutical sector will face in the coming years, the European Union has defined a pharmaceutical strategy for Europe which is divided into 4 fundamental pillars, which combine legislative and non-legislative interventions. The goal is to build a more resilient, accessible, innovative and sustainable pharmaceutical system, able to respond to constantly evolving public health needs.
1. Equitable access and answers to unmet medical needs
The EU strategy aims to guarantee patients timely and sustainable access to effective and affordable medicines. This with a focus on neglected therapeutic areas such as antimicrobial resistance, advanced oncology and rare diseases, encouraging the development of innovative solutions where the clinical need is urgent.
2. Competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the European pharmaceutical sector
This concerns strengthening Europe's industrial competitiveness and innovation capacity, stimulating the production of high-quality, safe, effective drugs with a reduced environmental impact. The EU intends to create an environment favorable to scientific research, to the adoption of technologies green and the growth of a pharmaceutical industry aligned with the objectives of environmental and social sustainability, without sacrificing scientific excellence.
3. Crisis Preparedness and Supply Security
Recent global crises have highlighted the vulnerability of pharmaceutical supply chains. For this reason, the third pillar of the European strategy aims to strengthen the mechanisms for preparing and responding to health emergencies, diversifying and securing logistics chains. Reducing dependence on a few supplier countries, addressing drug shortages and ensuring a stable and continuous distribution of essential products becomes crucial for public health.
4. The EU's global role and regulatory leadership
Finally, the European Union intends to consolidate its role on the world stage, promoting high standards in terms of the quality, efficacy and safety of medicines. European action translates into the promotion of international governance that values ethics, transparency and cooperation between States, contributing to the construction of a fairer and more coordinated global pharmaceutical system.
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The 7 levers for sustainable development of the pharmaceutical sector
To respond to the environmental, social and regulatory challenges of today and tomorrow, the pharmaceutical sector is called upon to profound transformation of their production and organizational models.
In this journey, the sustainability it does not represent only a regulatory or reputational constraint, but a real one Strategic lever of innovation, competitiveness and resilience. In particular, there are 7 key guidelines on which companies can act to contribute in a concrete way to a more sustainable and responsible development.
1. Circular economy
The pharmaceutical industry makes extensive use of resources such as water, chemicals and packaging materials. To reduce environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of products, it becomes a priority to adopt circular logics that aim at reuse, recycling and waste minimization right from the design and production phases.
2. Protection of biodiversity
Pharmaceutical research and production are highly dependent on biodiversity. Protecting ecosystems and reducing environmental degradation means safeguarding the natural sources from which many active ingredients are derived, while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of industrial activities in the long term.
3. Sustainable supply chain and resilient
Recent global crises have highlighted the fragility of supply chains. Building more resilient and sustainable supply chains involves investing in reliable suppliers, reducing indirect emissions and carefully evaluating the social and environmental impact of activities along the entire value chain.
4. Action against the climate crisis
Pharmaceutical companies are among the main emitters in the healthcare sector. It is necessary to implement ambitious decarbonization plans, which include both direct emissions and those linked to suppliers, thus contributing to the transition to a low-emission economy.
5. Active Stakeholder Engagement
From production to drug administration, each phase requires synergistic collaboration between different actors. Actively involving patients, healthcare professionals, institutions and suppliers makes it possible to align objectives and amplify the positive impact of sustainability strategies.
6. Eco-design of products
Pharmaceutical innovation can also become a driver of sustainability. Integrating environmental criteria right from the design phase, reducing materials, optimizing processes and improving biodegradability, makes it possible to create more efficient and less impactful products.
7. Digitalization and data management
The integration of digital tools is essential for measuring, monitoring and communicating performance ESG in a transparent and timely manner. The adoption of advanced technologies allows a ESG reporting more effective and promotes ethical and responsible data management.
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What are the most important certifications, ESG ratings or international initiatives in the pharmaceutical sector?
On the way to a greater sustainability environmental, social and governance, the pharmaceutical sector is progressively aligning itself with international standards and tools of ESG certification who evaluate its commitment and guide its continuous improvement.
Let's see the main ones sustainability certifications, initiatives and ESG ratings today more relevant globally for pharmaceutical companies.
SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative): validates the objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on scientific evidence, in line with the objectives ofParis Agreement.
UNGC (United Nations Global Compact): voluntary pact that promotes principles on human rights, environment, work and business ethics.
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI): industry standard that guarantees sustainability, safety and responsibility along the pharmaceutical supply chain.
CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project): rating that evaluates transparency and climate performance.
EcoVadis: ESG rating platform that evaluates companies on the environment, work, ethics and sustainable purchases.
ISO 14001: international standard for environmental management and the continuous improvement of environmental performance.
ISO 14064: standard that provides guidelines for the calculation, monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions.
ISO 50001: energy management system that helps improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.
ISO 45001: standard focused on health and safety in the workplace, aimed at preventing injuries and occupational diseases.
