Pharmaceutical Companies Striving For Sustainability

Pharmaceutical businesses are making efforts to become more environmentally friendly, but cutting emissions across dispersed, energy-intensive supply chains is the true obstacle.

Manufacturing and supplying medicines generates roughly a third of the global healthcare industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. But Western companies are bringing to light that reducing emissions has been harder than it looks and would have to start from scratch, fully reinventing the way they produce and regulate these drugs.

Pharmaceutical companies have committed to the cause of creating a greener world, but the main challenge arises from emissions in their supply chain and as a result of how patients use their products.

For example, the British pharmaceutical company GSK intends to run entirely on renewable energy by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2045. The company discovered that the usage of its metered dosage inhalers accounted for more than half of its Scope 3 footprint in the previous year. GSK is repurposing its well-known asthma medication Ventolin, which is frequently supplied as inhalers, to lower the inhalers’ environmental impact by up to 90% .

Mike Pierce, executive director of systems change at Clime Group, said: “We’ve seen encouraging progress amongst the pharmaceutical companies we work with in driving down emissions, but it’s vital now for the sector to look beyond their walls—to seize opportunities to influence supply chains, drive product innovation and reduce energy use by consumers.”

Regulating each step in the manufacturing process also means that even subtle input or production changes can require lengthy and costly approval. So for those businesses that may be affected by this pending description, build a relationship with an established credit insurance broker to alleviate some of that pressure.

How Can Pharmaceutical Companies Navigate Through This?

It’s a tough road for pharmaceutical companies aiming for sustainability, but it seems like they’re on the right track. Navigating through these challenges will likely involve a combination of innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning medicine, such as the one provided by Inter Care—Medical Aid for Africa. Inter Care is a charity that collects unused medicines from UK GP surgeries.

Collaboration

Collaboration with other companies in the supply chain is key. Working together to find more sustainable alternatives for raw materials, transportation, and manufacturing processes can have a significant impact. Shared goals and initiatives can create a domino effect that positively influences the entire industry.

While this can battle and even out some of the costs associated with dramatic changes, in the pharmaceutical industry, it also forces them to reevaluate their logistics, which can have a positive impact.

Leveraging Technology

Leveraging technology can play a significant role. Embracing digital solutions such as artificial intelligence or monitoring and optimising supply chains can help identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains. From energy-efficient manufacturing processes to data-driven supply chain management, technology can be a powerful ally in the pursuit of sustainability.

Building Strong Relationships

Regulatory challenges are always tricky, but building strong relationships with regulatory bodies can help streamline the approval process. Engaging in open communication and collaboration with regulatory authorities can foster a better understanding of the industry’s sustainability goals, potentially paving the way for more flexible and efficient approval processes.

Tackle Heating and Electricity

To address the sources of heat and electricity inside its operations, GSK is gradually replacing the gas boilers used in each of its manufacturing locations in India. With the boiler ban in place set to come into full force in 2025, other companies will have a game plan, which is a perfect opportunity to choose a greener process, and it is best to start these changes now to not cause major supply disruptions. Doing it within the supplier network of the organisation is a far more difficult process.

Another solution could be installing renewable energy sources, setting up locations for solar energy, taking advantage of Mother Nature’s gifts, and becoming less reliant on coal and oil.

Behavioral Science

Behavior-science-based therapies have the potential to reduce waste. For example, gaining a clear understanding of consumers’ needs, preferences and concerns can ensure prescriptions are appropriate.

Support grounded in behavior science can help minimise medication waste that results from patients not starting, finishing, or using prescription medication as directed. It might also lessen the need for costly and pointless medication modifications prescribed for the same illness.

While being sustainable and meeting consumers’ needs better, it also navigates through any supply chain disruptions.

Reducing Medication Waste

The duration of the prescription period in response to the needs of the patient, better use of medication usage reviews, and better support for isolated and vulnerable patients living at home can all help reduce the waste of medications. Behavior science can be used to help here as well in determining the kind and scope of adherence support that is needed.

Most people discard or take their medications to a pharmacy when they are unwanted, no longer needed or past their sell-by date. Typically, unwanted medications that are brought to a pharmacy are burned. Patients may be unaware of Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa’s option for recycling unneeded medications. A nonprofit called Inter Care gathers leftover medications from general practitioners in the UK.

This will reduce emissions as a result of pharmaceutical processes and products, although this needs to be implemented on a global scale. I believe a lot of patients are unaware that this process occurs and as reducing emissions is a team effort, more communication is needed.

The Sustain Chain is helping businesses and professionals to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce their environmental impact, and create a socially responsible future. Find out how by visiting The Sustain Chain Toolkit or contacting a member of the IoSCM team today.