The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly embracing sustainability, recognizing its critical role in reducing emissions and waste worldwide. This shift is not taken lightly, but rather it's seen as a vital part of delivering medicine to patients on a large scale. In fact, a 2022 survey found that 56% of sustainability leaders within pharmaceutical companies believe that climate change will significantly influence their company's strategy in the next three years. This mindset encourages pharmaceutical companies and suppliers to carefully examine their processes as they work to save resources and reduce waste.
The Quest for Greener Practices
Pharmaceutical companies are working diligently to decrease their environmental footprint by optimizing processes, sourcing greener materials, and innovating ways to conserve resources. The urgency of these efforts is reflected in 92% of survey respondents who agree or strongly agree that their organization is extremely concerned about its environmental impact.
Additionally, in 2023, the leaders of seven global pharmaceutical companies made a public plea to suppliers, urging them to commit to greening and decarbonizing healthcare supply chains. This collective call to action further pinpoints the industry's commitment to sustainability and the critical role suppliers play in achieving these goals.
Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies: A Pioneer in Supplier Sustainability
Among the suppliers leading the charge in sustainability is Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies. Corning's dedication to reducing environmental impact and partnering with customers to work toward a climate-resilient supply chain has earned them recognition as one of the world's most sustainable companies (Corning is #148, according to TIME Magazine). This commitment to sustainability is evident in their environmentally friendly efforts, including the use of solar energy at manufacturing facilities and sustainably designed glass vials.
The Future of Sustainability in Pharma Supply Chains
The pharmaceutical industry's focus on sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a long-term commitment. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has set an ambitious goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050 The healthcare industry alone accounts for about 5% of global emissions—further bolstering the industry's need to assess their contributions and work tirelessly to reduce them.
Supplier sustainability is a critical component of the pharmaceutical industry's strategy to decrease emissions and reduce waste. Collaborating with a pharmaceutical supplier who is committed to sustainability not only helps pharmaceutical companies reach their goals of reducing their carbon footprint, but also offers high-quality solutions that ensure the delivery and safety of drug products to patients.
Corning, with its strong commitment to sustainability, is a key supplier leading the charge. Corning's environmentally friendly practices and innovative products like the Corning® Viridian® vial exemplify how suppliers can make a significant impact in reducing emissions and decreasing waste.
In the end, the call to action is clear. The pharmaceutical industry and its suppliers must continue to prioritize sustainability, not just for the benefit of the planet but also for the future of the industry itself.
Learn more about how partnering with a sustainable supplier can improve pharmaceutical emission output with our ebook Sustainable Strategies for Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging.