How dsm-firmenich enables its partners achieve their sustainability goals

• As sustainability becomes a significant priority for most people globally, it is important to consider the impact of the pharmaceutical industry on the planet. 
• With this article, we’re exploring the sustainability challenges currently facing pharmaceutical manufacturers and what solutions are helping to support healthier lives, while reducing the negative impact pharmaceutical manufacturing has on the environment. 
• Discover what steps dsm-firmenich is taking to become more planet-friendly and how it is supporting its partners across the pharmaceutical industry in making more sustainable choices.
  

Sustainability and pharma go hand in hand 

Over the past 30 years, international organizations and the pharmaceutical industry have recognized the threat of pharmaceutical products to ecosystems and human health on a global scale. Current focus areas include high energy consumption, GHG emissions and carbon footprint reduction, as well as packaging, pharmaceutical handling and waste disposal – including eliminating active ingredient residues in residential and hospital wastewater. To address and manage these issues, there are increasing calls for manufacturers to take more responsibility for their products throughout the life cycle, encouraging more transparency across the industry, especially when it comes to pharmaceutical waste and residues entering the environment. 

Leading the way in sustainable operations and business 

dsm-firmenich is independently recognized as leading the way in sustainable operations and business. This involves continuously investing in ways to streamline manufacturing processes in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to achieve a better and more  sustainable  future for all by 2030. In particular, dsm-firmenich’s values adhere to and support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These SDGs help to tackle key sustainability challenges across the pharma industry, placing the focus on optimizing manufacturing processes and eliminating unnecessary waste, be it energy, excess packaging or chemical.  

What’s more, dsm-firmenich has a comprehensive set of quality and safety, health and environment (SHE) policies that it applies globally to both itself and its manufacturing partners, ensuring the products that customers use meet the highest standards. All of dsm-firmenich’s manufacturing locations are GMP-qualified production sites, and its supply chain for key intermediates is fully backward integrated. This means that customers can rest assured of the origin and traceability of its products, and the quality and sustainability with which they have been processed and manufactured. dsm-firmenich is also committed to being, and remaining, a pioneer of the most eco-conscious technologies and production processes for APIs, to reduce its carbon footprint and to stay compliant with international environmental regulations.

Raising the standards at Dalry 

The company’s commitment to quality, sustainable manufacturing across cutting edge facilities is evident at its Dalry site in Scotland – just one of dsm-firmenich’s industry-leading pharmaceutical plants. Dalry is truly setting the standard for high-quality and conscious manufacturing by offering state-of-the-art facilities that allow for optimal API production, while maintaining environmentally conscious practices. In addition, dsm-firmenich’s Dalry plant is the only producer of ascorbic acid outside of China. Ascorbic acid is becoming increasingly important in the pharma market where it is inspiring the development of therapies linked to immune function and cardiovascular health.² dsm-firmenich’s secure supply of ascorbic acid through Dalry means no interruption to the development of life-saving and sustainable medications.  

Looking towards the future 

Through implementing its values across the entire supply chain, dsm-firmenich is helping its partners in the pharma market achieve their own sustainability goals, and ultimately a greener future for all.