Creating a Sustainable Approach
In an interview with Pharmaceutical Technology Roger Viney from ICE Pharma highlights the importance of sustainability for the bio/pharma industry and some important future considerations for companies.
Sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry has increased in the past few years as a significant initiative for regulators and many pharmaceutical companies. Sustainability practices may include investment in renewables, zero emission buildings, and greener manufacturing practices (1). ICE Pharma has adopted a sustainability strategy that includes fighting illness through product innovation, caring for people, accelerating sustainable operations, and building strong relationships (2).To gain more perspective on sustainability in pharma, Pharmaceutical Technology® spoke withRoger Viney from ICE Pharma about what pharmaceutical companies should consider when developing a sustainability strategy.
Viney stresses that the healthcare industry, which is responsible for approximately 5% of global emissions, must be aware of the impact the industry has on the environment. “I think it's important to recognize that what we manufacture is biologically active,” says Viney. “So, in that case, it has a bigger environmental impact than some other products. I think in terms of the regulations that we have to comply with, you know, or the quality compliance regulations, I think the pharma industry is relatively slow to change, and we're slow to introduce new manufacturing technologies. We have difficulty adapting to new technologies which would lower our environmental impact. So, I think we've been slower than we would have liked. It's the nature of our industry. But I think, of course, there's a very big expectation from our customers, whether it be governments, businesses, or patients, that we do make progress in this area.”
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References
1. ABPI. Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Industry. ABPI.org (accessed Dec. 16, 2024).
2. Lavery, P. ICE Pharma Touts Fully Recyclable Booth at Its CPHI Milan Exhibit. PharmTech.com. Oct. 3, 2024.
About the speaker
Roger Viney, PhD, is the chief commercial officer for ICE Pharma and is responsible for the global commercial functions. Roger has a 30-year career, starting in R&D and then moving across to sales, marketing, key account management, and business and product management for the pharma market.
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