Unpacking the true cost of sustainable pharmaceutical packaging: Insights from the CPHI report

In the pharmaceutical industry, sustainability regulations are still catching up. As Agnieszka van Batavia, our Pharma Sustainability Manager, highlights in the latest CPHI Pharma Sustainability Trend Report, there are “hardly any legal requirements” governing sustainable practices in pharma packaging. This absence of regulation presents a unique opportunity, and responsibility for industry leaders.

Key Insights from the CPHI Report

Make sustainability a core strategy, not just a checkbox:

Pharma leaders should step up, innovate, and lead in sustainable packaging where regulations are lacking. Integrating sustainability into the core of business operations, rather than treating it as a superficial or compliance-driven task, is likely to lead to greater innovation, long-term impact, and industry leadership.

Turn regulatory gaps into opportunities:

The lack of stringent regulations in sustainable pharma packaging presents a unique opportunity for innovation. By proactively adopting sustainable practices, companies can set industry standards and gain a competitive edge.

Design eco-friendly, patient-centered solutions:

Sustainable packaging that meets environmental goals, ensures patient safety, and provides ease of access helps maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical products. This includes innovations like 100% recycled materials for blister packs and the use of low-carbon materials.

Embrace sustainable practices along the way:

Collaborating with supply chain partners to pioneer sustainability initiatives, like improving processes and adopting low-carbon materials, is crucial for reducing emissions and maintaining a competitive edge.

Insights from our expert

Agnieszka van Batavia emphasizes the importance of sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical industry. Here are some of her key contributions from the CPHI report:

Patient accessibility and sustainability:

“Packaging that makes it difficult for patients to access their medicine is not sustainable,” states Agnieszka van Batavia. Ensuring that packaging is both eco-friendly and user-friendly is crucial for patient adherence and safety.

Regulatory landscape:

“There were hardly any legal requirements applicable to pharma packaging,” Agnieszka notes. This highlights the need for industry leaders to take proactive steps in adopting sustainable practices.

Triple bottom line approach:

Agnieszka van Batavia advocates for a Triple Bottom Line framework—People, Planet, Profit. This approach balances economic, social, and environmental factors, promoting solutions that are healthier for people and the planet.