Responsible Sourcing and Manufacturing: Growing towards a sustainable future with Lonza

In response to the establishment of environmental impact targets by the pharmaceutical industry, Lonza promotes responsible sourcing practices, sustainable manufacturing standards, and renewable energy utilisation showcasing that responsible manufacturing can assist our customers to reach their sustainability goals, highlights Christine Lebeault, Head of Applied Sustainability, Lonza Capsules and Health Ingredients

- Christine Lebeault

As environmental concerns continue to intensify, the pressure on the pharmaceutical industry to reduce its overall environmental impact, particularly in final dosage forms, is growing proportionately. With over 600 billion pharmaceutical capsules consumed annually worldwide, Lonza (the largest global supplier to the pharma industry) recognizes its crucial role in driving sustainable practices. Lonza's comprehensive sustainability approach spans the entire value chain, from raw material selection to end-of-life solutions.

Carbon contributing factors: The mitigating factors throughout the drug development process

The carbon-contributing factors in the production and distribution of Capsugel® capsules at Lonza can be categorized into three main areas: upstream, operational, and downstream activities. Each of these areas plays a critical role in the overall carbon footprint associated with capsule production. It is important to define first that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are classified into three scopes. Scope 1 covers all direct GHG emissions, such as natural gas combustion. Scope 2 covers indirect GHG emissions from the production of purchased energy (e.g. electricity). Finally, Scope 3 covers emissions from the supply chain, mainly from the production of raw materials.

Let us dive deeper into the three key areas of carbon emissions across the value chain which is crucial for Lonza to implement effective sustain-ability measures:

Upstream Activities Indirect Emissions Across the Value Chain (Scope 3)