SUSTAINABILITY

Adopting sustainable practices in biopharma

Quick questions with Ryan Walker, Cytiva’s sustainability program leader

How does biopharma compare to other sectors when it comes to sustainable practices?

Sustainability is a great unifi er for the life sciences industry. In recent years we have seen an acceleration in the adoption of sustainable business practices. The industry is coalescing around how we should deal with plastics, waste management, carbon, and emissions. It’s going to take all of us working together – customers, manufacturers, and suppliers to tackle these issues.

Are you encouraged by the life sciences industry’s progress in becoming more sustainable?

Yes, I am very encouraged by the how the life sciences industry has come together to tackle this challenge. Progress in sustainability is complex and we must remember that each ‘action’ has domino eff ects, so something such as the recycling of plastics must be looked at from all environmental and societal angles. Cytiva has committed to ambitious targets toward 2025 – spanning carbon emissions, water, plastics, and packaging. One example from our packaging targets is to eliminate polystyrene from our packaging materials from our supply chain.

The life sciences industry uses a lot of single-use plastics. What have been some of the challenges when trying to recycle single-use plastics?

It’s important to point out that single-use plastics are a better alternative than stainless steel manufacturing methods, which require a lot of water and chemicals to change batches. According to two life cycle assessments (LCA) commissioned by Cytiva in 2016 and 2018, single-use technologies have the environmental advantage over traditional stainless-steel manufacturing. It requires less energy and eliminates water and chemicals for cleaning during use, yet it still has its challenges. Complex composition, plus the biocontamination, make some plastics used in the manufacture of biological medicines diffi cult to recycle. Some of the other challenges include: • Limited ability to process diff erent types of plastic • Some products include rubber and metal, in addition to plastic.

Then the question becomes who is responsible for the recycling? • Many recyclers are not capable of ‘cleansing’ a plastic product that has been biocontaminated so it can be recycled. Progress is being made but this part is strictly regulated and therefore diffi cult to do. This is a great example of how the industry has come together to fi nd innovative solution to recycle plastics. Representatives from Cytiva are working with industry organisations to fi nd ways we can work with other life sciences companies to redesign products, rethink packaging, and address the end-of-life recycling options. There are shorter-term focus areas in mechanical recycling and longer-term focus areas in advanced (chemical) recycling. The goal is to design products that take environmental factors into every phase of the design process.

Could you tell us about Cytiva’s initiative with TerraCycle on recycling plastic fi lters?

This is dedicated to reducing plastic lab waste – specifi cally it’s set up to recycle fi ltration devices and turn them into something new. Labs collect their plastic waste in a Zero Waste Box, send it back to TerraCycle, who sorts and recycles the plastic.

What do you think of some of the announcements made by pharma companies at COP26?

The commitment from companies to create more sustainable business practices was very exciting. Our goals will be achieved by working together- not just industry, but governments, NGOs, to address this global challenge. Our mission and vision align with good health and well-being, but we aren’t stopping there. We conducted a materiality assessment to understand where we can have the greatest impact and that has led to environmental focus areas such as climate action, clean water, and responsible consumption and production to working across the value chain in partnership for the goals.

Is the need to become sustainable encouraging innovation within the biopharma manufacturing process and supply chain?

The need to be more sustainable is encouraging innovation across the life sciences ecosystem. From programs such as TerraCycle to commitment to creating products that minimise the use of resources and materials. Circular design is bringing more functions together to share expertise and create more sustainable solutions.

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The steps the industry has taken so far in relation to sustainability and the remaining possibilities

Author: MICHAEL

EARL - director, Pharmaceutical Services at

Owen

Mumford

The pharmaceutical industry has an important role to play as the world strives to create a more sustainable future. The signifi cance of big pharma’s impact is highlighted by the fact it produces 13% more carbon emissions than car manufactures do assembling vehicles. Pharma companies are now determined to reduce their carbon footprint, eliminate pollution, conserve water, and use sustainable components. This means the entire supply chain will need to improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards as businesses seek to work with sustainable partners to strengthen their own credentials. Additionally, the ‘Greener NHS’ programme includes a commitment to be net zero with any emissions it can infl uence by 2045. All healthcare suppliers looking to have a continued relationship with the NHS must adapt as quickly as possible to remain a viable choice as the NHS seeks to meet this goal. In line with this, Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 and to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. To get a clearer picture of the measures being taken by the pharmaceutical industry, Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services has reviewed the current state of play on ESG compliance among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies reporting ESG scores. This article will look at the key areas where progress is being made and where improvement is needed to create a sustainable industry for the future.

PROGRESS SO FAR

This article focuses on four key areas of activity: carbon emissions, water use, waste management and sustainability by design. Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services’ analysis focuses both on ESG policies that have been put in place as well as where companies have publicly set concrete targets.

AIR EMISSIONS

Almost 70% of pharma companies have specifi c targets for reducing carbon emissions and gaseous pollutants. Acid gases, dust and aerosols, pharmaceutical ‘actives’ and volatile organic compounds are typically being targeted for fi ltering.

ENERGY

Most energy policies have a threefold approach – combining use of renewable energy, self-generation and increasing energy effi ciency in the manufacturing process. Reducing energy use in the manufacturing process can be focused on either the production line or industrial buildings, with savings of 25% or more common in both areas.

WATER

Water usage focuses both on consumption as well as cleaning and reprocessing water. One international generics giant aims to achieve 100% water neutrality by 2025 meaning all wastewater will be recycled, reused, or captured from rainwater. Our review shows an impressive 50% of pharma companies have set hard targets in this category.

WASTE

Over a quarter of pharmaceutical companies have already set targets to reduce their waste emissions plastic components in medical devices are being explored, and immediate progress is being made by reducing the number of disposable parts. At Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services, we are using our experience in auto-injectors to develop new designs for reuseable auto injectors, which will help our partners reduce plastic waste considerably.

AREAS FOR ACTION

Although the industry achieved an impressive ESG score of 61% in the Ecoact’s October 2021 Climate Reporting Performance report – well above the all-industries average of 53 % – the performance of individual companies varied

Pharma companies are now determined to reduce their carbon footprint

by 25%. Companies are attempting to remove reliance on landfi lls or pursue a zerowaste approach. Additionally, commercial incentives are becoming a factor as waste becomes more expensive to dispose of, while rising commodity prices may encourage fi rms to recognise waste as a source of scarce resource. For medical device suppliers, reducing the footprint of their products is particularly challenging since infection control often demands that devices are single use and immediately disposed of after use. One strategy to mitigate this is to review the entire manufacturing process and product life cycle for ineffi ciencies. Meanwhile, alternatives to disposable signifi cantly. Our study shows a 40% diff erence between top performers and those behind the curve. Moreover, it appears that neither size nor location impede progress; corporate will and commitment to improve ESG scores are as important as big budgets, allowing smaller fi rms to progress at similar levels to large multi-nationals.

CONTAMINATION

The Anti-Microbial Resistance Alliance reports that emissions from the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and their formulation into drugs are a further source of emissions – particularly in countries where discharges are not well controlled. Yet, while 84% of companies have a policy on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) and 36% have a policy on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), there are very few concrete targets in these areas.

PACKAGING

Since this is a relatively straightforward area for setting targets, many other industries reviewed packaging as a fi rst step in their journey, particularly in the distribution phase. Meanwhile, in the pharma industry, 76% have policies for packaging, but only 13% have set concrete targets. Progress could be made by converting to sustainable alternatives or reducing weight and increasing packing effi ciency to reduce shipping resources. Some leading companies have set specifi c targets – focused on converting to recyclable/ sustainable paper where possible, to replace plastics. It is likely that this area will gain traction within the rest of the industry in the coming years.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies show the pharmaceutical industry is heading in the right direction in the drive for sustainability – with performance better than many other industries. Regardless, policies have to turn into targets – particularly within the areas of contamination and packaging – and targets must continue to be met if they are to remain ahead of the curve. Initiatives such as the B Corp certifi cation achieved by Owen Mumford help companies to set achievable targets, and then set milestones to stay on track. Third party audits hold businesses accountable and make sure they don’t lose sight of their goals. Collaboration between pharma businesses and their suppliers may help to narrow ESG variance and consolidate sustainable action in the industry.

Figure 1 – Borealis Circular Cascade Model

ACCELERATING ACTION

on environmental sustainability in Healthcare

Author: Paulo Cavacas Business Development Manager, Healthcare

The vital role of plastic solutions in healthcare became even more prominent during the Covid-19 pandemic with many single-use medical devices, pharma packaging, diagnostic consumables and masks being used – now not only used by medical personnel, but have become an essential of daily life.

Yet the associated carbon emissions and wastefulness inherent in today’s linear economy in the healthcare sector needs to change. Healthcare’s climate footprint is equivalent to 4.4% of global net emissions, which represents 2 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, meaning if the health sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet.1

In the past few years, pharma and medical OEMs have increasingly embraced their role in the fight against climate change and have been developing their sustainability strategies. Pledges for carbon and plastic neutrality were made; many included Scope 3 emissions in their targets and started to consider using more sustainable raw materials for existing applications or new design developments. However, what does more sustainable or eco-friendly really mean?

A FUTURE-POSITIVE REVOLUTION FOR PLASTICS

Polyolefins (polyethylene - PE and polypropylene - PP) have frequently been used in healthcare as an alternative product to glass and metal, but also to other plastics due to their combination of good property profiles and value in use, as well as often offering a better sustainability profile by being lighter, easier, safer to use, chemically inert and recyclable.

Borealis, a polyolefin resin manufacturer, has embarked on a sustainability journey by taking a broader view at the circular economy for plastics via its circular cascade (Figure 1) – not only looking into the technical cycle by incorporating Design for Recycling or Reuse principles and mechanically or chemically recycling end products of these streams, but also by replacing fossil-based feedstocks with renewablebased ones that do not compete with agricultural crops for food and livestock feed.

THE DESIGN FOR RECYCLING CHALLENGE IN HEALTHCARE

Some healthcare applications today already follow the principles of Design for recycling and incorporate mono material solutions such

as 100% PE infusion bottles or bottles for irrigation solutions. Interestingly, the large majority of waste produced by the healthcare sector (approximately 85%) is actually non-hazardous and similar to post-consumer waste i.e. much of it can be recycled. However, recycling hospital waste even if not hazardous or contaminated, poses a separate challenge to hospital staff in terms of collecting and sorting such waste.

Consumer health is the segment where increased awareness for environmentally sustainable solutions is more pressing. Particularly in oral solid dosage products, consumers tend to regard such packaging like any other and require similar recycling solutions. Blister packaging is omnipresent in every single household and it became the priority for many pharmaceutical companies to replace commonly used PVC/ Al structures by recyclable ones. For more than 20 years, Borealis has off ered a Bormed™ PP medical grade as an alternative route for blisters - Designed for Recycling - while keeping the packaging integrity, drug safety and shelf life intact.

CLOSING THE LOOP ON PLASTIC WASTE

Borcycle™ is the Borealis portfolio of recycling technology solutions giving polyolefi n-based, postconsumer waste another life.

Specifi cally interesting for the healthcare industry is the Borcycle C line, converting plastic waste that typically goes to incineration or even worse, landfi ll, to virgin quality materials and thus closing the loop even for diffi cult-torecycle plastic waste.

RENEWABLE-BASED CIRCULAR POLYOLEFINS

Recycling post-consumer plastic waste is not enough to truly transform the polyolefi n industry and its environmental impact. Already at the beginning of 2020 Borealis achieved a milestone on the journey to replacing fossil fuel-based feedstocks in a large-scale commercial production by launching the Bornewables™ solutions: Circular polyolefi ns produced with renewable feedstock derived entirely from waste and residue streams. The Bornewables off er the same material performance and regulatory compliance as virgin polyolefi ns, but with a reduced carbon footprint and decoupled from fossil-based feedstock.

PROVEN REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Making decisions based on life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial to have a fact-based analysis and a clear path forward to implementing more environmentally sustainable materials. The cradle-to-gate LCA conducted on the Bornewables has shown that renewablebased polyolefi ns contribute towards the mitigation of climate change by providing signifi cantly lower greenhouse gas emissions (at least 120% reduction) compared to polyolefi ns made from fossil-based feedstock. This means, that when replacing one tonne of conventional PP with Bornewables, 2.1 tonnes of CO2-eq are saved. This is comparable to the greenhouse gas emissions of three return fl ights from London to Beijing2.

Download the Bornewables brochure

WHY IS MASS BALANCE KEY TO BRINGING CIRCULARITY FORWARD? ENABLING VISIBLE PROGRESS NOW

The change to using recycled and renewable feedstock is not as simple as fl ipping a switch. It is a journey. Chain of custody models can help move forward by increasing the proportions of sustainable feedstocks that are used.

Specifi cally, Borealis believes that the mass balance model off ers the greatest set of benefi ts and the best path to visible progress for circular plastics, while building stakeholder trust in the right chain of custody model. It helps the whole value chain to track, trace and verify the sustainability of the renewable feedstocks and end-products throughout the chain to make it more visible and tangible. Thus, the Bornewables and Borcycle C solutions are off ered on an ISCC Plus certifi ed mass balance model.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL GRADES

When considering incorporating more sustainable solutions in a medical device, diagnostic consumable or a pharmaceutical packaging, healthcare producers need the assurance that the materials they qualify for use today, can also be used for years to follow. This means, for instance, reliability of supply, receiving a formulation lockdown commitment, proper change management and extended notifi cation period, appropriate pharmacopeia testing results and US FDA DMF registration from the raw material supplier. All of this and more is at the core of the Borealis service package off ered with the Bormed medical polyolefi n grades.

The introduction of the Bornewables and Borcycle C solutions in existing Bormed products does not aff ect product performance nor does it represent formulation change, as the hydrocarbons produced by renewable or chemically recycled streams are indistinguishable from the ones derived from crude oil feedstock.

INDUSTRY COOPERATION FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

At Borealis we believe in the circular revolution: A revolution that’s world-critical and urgent. Because today we take, we make, we dispose and this is linear, wasteful and unsustainable. The whole healthcare industry needs to work together to fi nd ways to reduce, reuse and recycle and to decouple from fossilbased production to lead the transformation of the plastic value chain from linear to circular to Beijing.

REFERENCES

1. Healthcare Without Harm. Sustainable healthcare waste management in the EU Circular Economy model; 2020 2. 1404 kg CO2/journey. Source: https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/Carbonoff set/Pages/default.aspx