Cos embracing innovative strategies to cut eco footprint

IN today's pharma industry, "sustainable pharmaceuticals" refer to practices that prioritise minimising environmental impact while promoting public health and social responsibility.

- SUMEL ASHIQUE

This includes eco-friendly manufacturing, waste reduction, and responsible disposal. The pharmaceutical industry has faced increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices in recent years. From the energy-intensive manufacturing processes to the disposal of hazardous waste, the environmental impact of drug production cannot be ignored. However, many leading pharmaceutical companies are taking steps to reduce their ecological footprint and promote sustainability throughout their operations.

One key area of focus is minimising energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Companies like Novartis have set ambitious targets to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and are investing in solar, wind, and other clean energy initiatives (Novartis, 2021). Pfizer has also made significant strides, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% since 2012 and aiming for a 92% reduction by 2025 (Pfizer, 2022).

Navigating pollution, waste, and resistance: A call to sustainable action

The pharma industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, with manufacturing processes releasing a plethora of harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil. These chemicals, ranging from solvents to heavy metals, pose significant risks to both environmental and human health. Another pressing issue is improper disposal of pharma products, including expired or unused medications. Often, these drugs find their way into water sources through sewage systems or landfill leachate, contaminating ecosystems and endangering aquatic life.