Greening the pharmaceutical supply chain: A collaborative path to sustainability

The pharmaceutical industry has a significant environmental footprint, extending beyond Europe to countries like India and China, which are major suppliers of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and generic medicines. On 18 September 2024, HCWH Europe hosted a virtual workshop, A greener pharmaceutical supply chain for the people and planet, to explore this pressing issue. The event brought together experts to discuss pharmaceutical pollution, its global impacts, and actionable strategies for greater transparency and sustainability in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

This report captures the workshop's key insights, including current efforts to mitigate environmental harm, such as sustainable procurement practices and responsible effluent management in antibiotic production. It outlines policy recommendations to strengthen EU legislation, promote transparency, and incentivise green manufacturing, alongside the need for a holistic, lifecycle-based approach to the industry. The report underscores the critical role of collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to achieve a sustainable pharmaceutical sector that prioritises both environmental health and access to affordable medicines.