There is no doubt that the big pharma industry is playing quite a vital role in the healthcare and medical sector. But, you can also observe that the industry has ranging ill effects on the environment too. Starting right from the extraction of raw materials to managing waste, you can clearly see that the industry has a significantly high carbon footprint. But now, thankfully, most companies are planning to actually do something about it. They are trying to take practical steps to ensure better sustainability. One such step is employing pharmaceutical translation services.
It’s obvious that their impact on the economy has been the reason many government officials still give them a blind eye. However, many environmental activists have successfully done a good job of informing the public of the long-term effects of turning this blind eye. Clinical trial translation services have also helped spread information around the world. Through which illegal acts on human and animal test subjects were banned.
This led to a revolution. And we have luckily seen legal changes being made to help reverse the environmental effects. The media has tied companies using environmental sustainability efforts with them being modern and people-oriented. Hence, increasing their popularity is why many pharmaceutical companies are now actively following the green trend. We have even seen the doctors handwritten notes on recycled notepads. Sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry refers to its capability to address present demands without compromising the needs of future generations to meet their own. The industry must seek ways to:
- Reduce its environmental impact
- Conserve natural resources
- Increase sustainable development
Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Industry
As you might already know, manufacturing and delivery of drugs and other medications are among the biggest contributors to the carbon footprint of the pharmaceutical sector. To cut it down, the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly adopting environmentally friendly methods of production, such as employing renewable energy sources, using less water, and streamlining procedures to reduce waste. In order to reduce transportation-related emissions, businesses are also looking at alternative transportation strategies, such as driving electric or hybrid vehicles.
Saving Water
In the pharmaceutical sector, water is obviously a vital resource. It is used for everything from drug manufacturing to equipment cleaning. Also, businesses are adopting sustainable water management techniques, such as installing water-efficient equipment, reusing water, and processing wastewater for reuse, to significantly reduce water usage. In order to minimize their reliance on freshwater supplies, several businesses are also investing in technologies that allow them to use seawater or brackish water in manufacturing operations.
Reducing Waste
The need for marketing and staying competitive has created loads of waste in the past. Companies nowadays have started using recyclable or recycled packaging materials. They reduce the size of the packaging to use less material. Moreover, they promote recycling on their packaging. The use of biodegradable materials is also a very good initiative.
Employing Green Chemistry
Many organizations use Green Chemistry to decrease the quantity of extra materials and byproducts produced during the manufacturing process. Green chemistry is a more environmentally friendly chemical synthesis method that aims to minimize or remove dangerous compounds and cut down on waste generated during production.
In order to reduce the negative effects that drugs have on the environment, pharmaceutical companies are looking into green chemistry alternatives. Companies can limit the quantity of waste produced during manufacturing and lower the risk of harm to both human health and the environment by utilizing safer and more environmentally friendly chemicals.
Renewable Energy
Companies from the pharmaceutical industry regularly invest in clean renewable energy sources. They commonly invest in wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal energy to reduce carbon emissions. Many companies are installing solar panels in their manufacturing facilities or sourcing energy from wind farms. Some companies are also using geothermal energy to power their facilities or to heat and cool buildings in Europe. Companies near water streams like rivers, have also utilized tidal power. Moreover, companies are always finding creative methods to adopt change.
Investing in Greenlands
Some companies have also taken the initiative of buying and conserving land to make up for their carbon emissions. By growing more trees and conserving green lands, we can reverse the effects of global warming. Moreover, these methods also help conserve wildlife. Trees are also planted near factory areas and it is best that living populations distance themselves from these areas.
Top 5 Most Green Pharmaceutical Companies
- Novartis: Novartis has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They have set ambitious environmental goals, such as becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and implementing water and waste reduction initiatives.
- Roche: Roche places a significant emphasis on environmental sustainability, including reducing their carbon emissions and water usage. They are known for their efforts in creating sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK has a comprehensive sustainability program that focuses on reducing its environmental footprint. They have made commitments to reduce carbon emissions and water consumption in their operations.
- AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca has set ambitious sustainability goals, including being carbon-neutral by 2025 and addressing environmental impacts throughout its supply chain.
- Bayer: Bayer is known for its dedication to environmental responsibility, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Conclusion
We should all, corporations aside, make an effective effort to conserve our environment. It is imperative that our future generations are not stripped of clean air, and scenic beauty. Your environment determines your access to a healthy lifestyle. I end this with the wish that in the near future we will see a greener and cleaner Earth.
