Pharma's Green Revolution

Foreword

The pharmaceutical industry has an image problem.

The development and production of drugs and devices naturally consume large amounts of natural, human and economic resources. There is increasing pressure to make commitments that will have a positive impact on the environment and society, despite the fact that consumers are not yet demanding “green” medicines.

However, there is a clear interest for the pharmaceutical industry to minimize waste, reduce the use of potentially hazardous substances, produce more efficiently, reduce energy consumption, and increase safety for workers and the environment.

There is also a clear interest from parties such as the government (publication on November 25, 2020 of the first EU pharmaceutical strategy) and policy makers but also universities from various disciplines (chemistry, technology, environmental sciences).

The transformation is currently fully ongoing: achieving sustainability is a major global goal for the pharmaceutical industry.

Sustainability is a primary concern at Aspen API and is in a growing phase in order to be considered for any strategic decision.

Sustainability is part of the vision in the development plan of the organization. Several initiatives have been launched (our green answer to peptide synthesis, greenhouse gas reduction program, wastewater management, and solvent recovery on site) and some initiatives are in progress in order to impact positively a green footprint for the planet and people.

Aspen API has the ambition to be positioned as the preferred API manufacturer from an ecologic point of view and therefore continuously reinforces its involvement in sustainability.

David Demailly, Commercial Director, Aspen API

Section 1: Sustainability – a growing industry concern?

Section 2: Major Challenges

Section 3: Pharmaceuticals in the Environment & Antimicrobial Resistance

Section 4: Success Stories

Section 5: Incentives & Planning

Section 6: Navigating the Pandemic & the Future

Conclusions & Contributors