Amidst a growing global awareness of the urgent need for sustainable practices, LogiPharma has published its first annual sustainability report, surveying 150 Heads of Supply Chain from the European life sciences sectors. Will Robinson, LogiPharma’s Conference Director, sheds light on the challenges faced in meeting sustainability targets and the innovative solutions being pursued by businesses.
With growing concerns over the climate crisis, the pharmaceutical industry finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, where stakeholders across the spectrum – from governments and health organisations to patients and the public – recognise the urgency of addressing environmental sustainability. Consequently, the life sciences supply chain is undergoing a profound transformation, necessitating a fundamental reimagining of traditional practices.
In response to these challenges, pharmaceutical leaders are turning to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a guiding framework for sustainability initiatives. These goals not only provide a roadmap for improving healthcare accessibility and quality but also emphasise the importance of reducing environmental impact by 2030. Covering a wide range of issues including poverty, inequality, climate change, and justice, the UN SDGs offer a universal blueprint for integrating environmentally responsible practices into pharmaceutical supply chains.
However, despite the industry’s recognition of the importance of sustainability, LogiPharma’s recent survey paints a more realistic picture. Despite progress, a huge 85% of pharmaceutical businesses consider themselves only “somewhat sustainable.” Moreover, more than half of respondents admit that their sustainability goals lack concrete definition and measurable metrics. This underscores the urgent need for pharmaceutical companies to redouble their efforts towards sustainability, not only for their competitive advantage but also for their broader contribution to global environmental and social goals.
A Dose of Change
With only 9% of respondents defining their sustainability goals as concrete and measurable in terms of key performance indicators (KPIs), it’s evident that pharmaceutical companies must take transparent and collaborative steps forward in their sustainability efforts. This need for action is underscored by the fact that 42% of respondents are actively cultivating a culture of sustainability throughout their organisations, while 43% are investing in circularity initiatives aimed at reducing waste and emissions.
