The pharma sector contributes 5% of global GHG emissions1, a fact that has helped drive the top 46% of pharmaceutical companies (by revenue) to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 20502. The biggest challenge cited by pharma companies is their Scope 3 emissions, which often accounts for 90% or more of their total GHG emission profile. Change has, so far, been slow due in part to regulatory complexity and a perception of increased costs associated with introducing more sustainable choices. However, the urgency of action needed now by pharma and their suppliers means we have reached an inflection point in the adoption of more sustainable packaging solutions and design strategies.

According to Hywel Woolf, Global Sustainability Manager at Sharp Services, the last six to twelve months has shown indications that the industry has begun to “transition at pace”. In particular, he says big pharma appears to be “doubling down on sustainability and driving change and improvement across the sector”.

In this episode of Sharp’s podcast series, host Steve Jacobs sits down with Hywel Woolf and Mitch Darnell, a structural designer within Sharp’s design group, to discuss how this shift is being realized through innovative new packaging designs.

Episode 5 – Climate-friendly packaging strategies: How can pharma drive sustainability?

“There is a perception that making this change and moving to more sustainable materials and ways of working will cost more,” Woolf says. “While in the longer-term that might be true, there are plenty of low hanging fruit out there before you hit that tipping point. Sustainability offers lots of opportunity for risk mitigation and to realize cost savings.”

Mitch Darnell discusses the materials and market trends supporting a more sustainable future for pharma packaging, from lightweight alternatives to traditional SPS board to the latest innovations in bio-based and compostable materials. The pair explain the role of Sharp’s Sustainable Materials Innovation Group in identifying and exploring these opportunities and they also share a recent project that saw the implementation of a new carbon-reduced material for a key client on a commercial scale.

This podcast is the final instalment in a series by Sharp, titled Our Experience is Your Strength. Across the episodes, host Steve Jacobs is joined by seasoned experts in formulation, sterile manufacturing, clinical supplies, commercial packaging, and sustainability to explore a range of challenges across drug development and commercialization, with a focus on getting the best results through contract services. Each episode draws upon key learnings gathered across Sharp’s decades of experience as a CDMO, helping to set listeners up for success with their chosen vendor. 

Listen to the previous episode here:

References:

  1. https://www.ispor.org/docs/default-source/intl2023/ispor23dehipawalaposter-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=f2e5a6eb_0  
  2. https://global.noharm.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/5961/HealthCaresClimateFootprint_092319.pdf