Biopharma! Sustainability can't, won't wait. So don't.

As an industry, innovation in biotech and responsibility go hand in hand, but we stand at a critical juncture. Our recent Global Biopharma Sustainability Review reveals some of the progress the industry has made in sustainability, as well as challenges and opportunities that demand our immediate attention.

The sustainability paradox

Without mincing words, our industry faces a stark reality: We’re inspired by a mission to improve global health, but we’re contributing to the worsening health of the planet. The biopharma industry produces 13% more carbon emissions than the automotive sector. Loss of biodiversity poses systemic risks, particularly in healthcare, where the impacts are most immediate.

This paradox highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices within the industry, where progress in medicine must not come at the cost of the planet’s health.

The business case for sustainability

The good news is that the majority of biopharma leaders (63%) in our study recognize the business value of prioritizing sustainability. That’s ultimately unsurprising considering the increased dialogue around the topic in the past decade. What is surprising is the impact organizations that lead in sustainability attribute to their sustainability efforts: Significant increases in revenue (+55%); profits (+57%), and brand reputation (+58%). This data tells us environmental impact reduction is no longer just a value-based decision; it's a key driver of competitiveness and long-term viability.

What if...

Imagine a biopharma landscape where:

- 🧪 Labs run on 100% renewable energy

- ♻️ All materials are recyclable or biodegradable

- 🌿 Zero-waste manufacturing is the norm

- 💚 Investors and customers prioritize companies with strong sustainability profiles

This isn't just an ambition for us all. It's a possible future for competitive advantage in biotech, where the technologies we develop are part of the solution.

Of course, getting there is complicated requiring intense innovative thinking, collaboration, and bravery. It involves overcoming hurdles such as the lack of data (76% of review respondents reported difficulty measuring the ROI of sustainability) to justify cost and effort, as well as better supply chain transparency and collaboration (69% told us weak collaboration across the value chain is a barrier to achieving sustainability targets), among other challenges.

Yeah, great. So how?

Industry leaders have the power to redefine what success looks like. Some ways to get started:

1. Set bold, measurable targets with clear timelines. For example: we are aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2025 (so far we are at 96%) and 50% recyclable single-use products.

2. Invest in innovative technologies: Many of the sustainability first-movers we surveyed in the Review told us they are already employing AI and IoT for real-time emissions tracking and reduction across the value chain with promising benefits. But invest strategically: AI comes with significantly higher IT carbon emissions – so weigh the cost and benefits.

3. Build on eco-design principles by conducting a comprehensive sustainability audit across your value chain.

4. Rally your whole organization around a cultural transformation: Embed sustainability into your company's DNA, from C-suite decisions to daily operations. Make it a part of your promise to your people.

5. Lead with strategic collaborations: Don’t just hold suppliers and partners responsible – collaborate with them on shared targets and goals, data, and even talent to help each other improve.

6. Transparent reporting: Implement rigorous sustainability metrics and share progress openly to build trust and drive accountability.

The time for incremental change has passed. Let's lead the charge in creating a biotech industry that's not just profitable, but regenerative.

What bold sustainability move is your company planning next? Share your vision and let's inspire collective action.

Ours is here