As the effects of climate change become more pressing, the pharmaceutical industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2023, the CEOs of several major pharmaceutical companies issued the Open Letter on Supplier Targets from Members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Health Systems Task Force. This letter calls on suppliers and CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations) to assess their CO2 emissions, adapt manufacturing processes to be more eco-friendly, and commit to sustainability targets. CDMOs are now actively exploring meaningful strategies to meet these sustainability goals. During a recent webinar hosted by Singota Solutions, Senior Director of Business Development William Powers shared insights into the environmental challenges facing CDMOs and the strategies they are adopting to address them.
Powers highlighted critical climate data, such as rising global CO2 levels, warming sea temperatures, and increased air pollution, all of which have significant implications for global health and the pharmaceutical industry. He discussed the goals outlined in the Open Letter and the 2016 Paris Agreement and offered CDMOs a roadmap for implementing sustainable practices in pharma manufacturing. In a follow-up Q&A session, Powers addressed attendee questions on practical approaches to reaching these green targets.
One of the targets—achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030—presents a unique challenge. While renewable energy costs, such as those for solar panels, have dropped significantly, the upfront investment for CDMOs remains substantial. Powers noted that implementing renewable energy at scale requires not only power generation systems but also robust storage solutions, which can strain budgets. He suggested that CDMOs consider collaborating with local governments or industrial neighbors to share costs and resources for such infrastructure projects. Additionally, Powers emphasized the need to reduce single-use materials, an industry standard for contamination control, by exploring reusable options like stainless steel tubing.
Transparency in sustainability practices is also vital. Powers explained that Singota Solutions maintains openness by sharing monthly metrics on supply chain performance, temperature excursion rates, and “right-first-time” initiatives. This approach keeps stakeholders informed and holds the company accountable. By adopting these practices, Singota Solutions and other CDMOs aim to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for pharmaceutical manufacturing, reducing environmental impact while continuing to prioritize patient safety and product integrity.