How dsm-firmenich enables its partners to achieve their own sustainability goals

By: dsm-firmenich Pharma Solutions Editors

  • As sustainability becomes a significant priority for most people globally, it is important to consider the impact of the pharmaceutical industry on the planet. 
  • With this article, we’re exploring the sustainability challenges currently facing pharmaceutical manufacturers and what solutions are helping to support healthier lives, while reducing the negative impact pharmaceutical manufacturing has on the environment. 
  • Discover what steps dsm-firmenich is taking to become more planet-friendly and how it is supporting its partners across the pharmaceutical industry in making more sustainable choices.
For manufacturers and consumers alike, sustainability is at the forefront of many of our minds. In fact, data indicates that 72% of consumers pay attention to whether businesses act in an environmentally friendly way, and 43% say this has been heightened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.1 The pharmaceutical industry has had a substantial impact on the environment over the years. However, there has been a global shift towards achieving a greener future and, with that, increasing pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturers to make commitments that will have a positive impact on the planet and human health. For example, similar to dsm-firmenich’s goal of reducing 30% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, some big pharma companies are taking climate action by setting Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to lower GHG release.
 
Today, we’re recognizing how the pharmaceutical industry is becoming a driver of positive change towards a more sustainable future, and how dsm-firmenich is supporting its partners in bringing high-quality, sustainable pharmaceuticals to market.
 

Sustainability and pharma go hand in hand 

Over the past 30 years, international organizations and the pharmaceutical industry have recognized the threat of pharmaceutical products to ecosystems and human health on a global scale. Current focus areas include high energy consumption, GHG emissions and carbon footprint reduction, as well as packaging, pharmaceutical handling and waste disposal – including eliminating active ingredient residues in residential and hospital wastewater. To address and manage these issues, there are increasing calls for manufacturers to take more responsibility for their products throughout the life cycle, encouraging more transparency across the industry, especially when it comes to pharmaceutical waste and residues entering the environment. 

Leading the way in sustainable operations and business 

dsm-firmenich is independently recognized as leading the way in sustainable operations and business. This involves continuously investing in ways to streamline manufacturing processes in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to achieve a better and more  sustainable  future for all by 2030. In particular, dsm-firmenich’s values adhere to and support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These SDGs help to tackle key sustainability challenges across the pharma industry, placing the focus on optimizing manufacturing processes and eliminating unnecessary waste, be it energy, excess packaging or chemical.  

What’s more, dsm-firmenich has a comprehensive set of quality and safety, health and environment (SHE) policies that it applies globally to both itself and its manufacturing partners, ensuring the products that customers use meet the highest standards. All of dsm-firmenich’s manufacturing locations are GMP-qualified production sites, and its supply chain for key intermediates is fully backward integrated. This means that customers can rest assured of the origin and traceability of its products, and the quality and sustainability with which they have been processed and manufactured. dsm-firmenich is also committed to being, and remaining, a pioneer of the most eco-conscious technologies and production processes for APIs, to reduce its carbon footprint and to stay compliant with international environmental regulations.

Raising the standards at Dalry 

The company’s commitment to quality, sustainable manufacturing across cutting edge facilities is evident at its Dalry site in Scotland – just one of dsm-firmenich’s industry-leading pharmaceutical plants. Dalry is truly setting the standard for high-quality and conscious manufacturing by offering state-of-the-art facilities that allow for optimal API production, while maintaining environmentally conscious practices. In addition, dsm-firmenich’s Dalry plant is the only producer of ascorbic acid outside of China. Ascorbic acid is becoming increasingly important in the pharma market where it is inspiring the development of therapies linked to immune function and cardiovascular health.2 dsm-firmenich’s secure supply of ascorbic acid through Dalry means no interruption to the development of life-saving and sustainable medications.  

Looking towards the future 

Through implementing its values across the entire supply chain, dsm-firmenich is helping its partners in the pharma market achieve their own sustainability goals, and ultimately a greener future for all. Want to find out more about how dsm-firmenich can help you bring safe and sustainable therapies to market that support the health of people and the planet? Get in touch here to explore our pharmaceutical products.

Published on

07 June 2021

Tags

  • Pharma Solutions
  • Procurement
  • Senior Management
  • Article
  • Industry News
  • Sustainability

Share

4 min read

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay up-to-date on the latest science, events and market trends

Download our Pharma Partner Brochure

References

  1. Sian Conway, ‘Consumer sustainability trends in 2021: What trends to watch’, Ethical Hour, [report], 2021.
  2. dsm-firmenich. Vitamin C. [website], accessed 20 May 2021.

Related Articles