Context
The pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in global healthcare —but it also contributes 4.4% of global emissions, with its carbon footprint expected to triple by 2050. Reducing this impact is critical. Sustainable manufacturing must become a priority to align with global climate goals.
Beyond environmental concerns, the industry faces hurdles in turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world treatments. Strengthening European research networks and reducing reliance on imported raw materials can boost resilience and sustainability.
In response, the European Commission and the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) launched efforts in 2022 to drive healthcare sustainability.
Driving Sustainability in Pharma Manufacturing/PHARMECO key objectives
PHARMECO partners are committed to advancing sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing —from small molecules and biologics to tides and decontamination. Our approach focuses on:
- Sustainable industrial transition: Integration of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles in pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
- Digital support tools: Development of tools for prospective evaluation to guide sustainable production via process simulation
- Scalable, eco-friendly manufacturing optimizations and innovations: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reduce environmental impact at various stage of manufacturing to reduce greenhouse gases, solvent use, water, and energy consumption
- Standardized sustainability assessment methods: Establishment of standardized environmental assessment systems for (bio)pharmaceuticals, ensuring consistency across the industry, by delivering a guideline that is scientifically-robust, practical, and accepted by stakeholders.
Together, these efforts support a cleaner, more responsible production methods for pharmaceutical system.
Acknowledgement
The PHARMECO project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101165889. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe.