How the pharmaceutical industry is reducing its environmental impact
As one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the world, the pharmaceutical industry is under growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. From energy-intensive manufacturing to complex cold chain logistics, every stage of the pharmaceutical value chain presents an opportunity for more sustainable practices.
In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have begun to respond with urgency—setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, redesigning pharmaceutical packaging, and investing in cleaner technologies. These actions are not only transforming operations within the pharma industry, but also influencing expectations across the broader healthcare sector.
At Hydropac, we understand that sustainable pharmaceutical logistics require more than regulatory compliance—they demand climate-smart solutions that combine environmental responsibility with high-performance design. In this article, we explore how the industry is evolving and how our eco-friendly packaging solutions support those changes.
Hydropac offers every customer a customized solution for chilled and conditioned shipping. For example, we help a customer with limited freezing capacity to deliver gel packs frozen and ready to use, and we can manufacture almost all shapes and sizes of cooling elements. As a customer, you come first: we are here to help you.
Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are committing to major carbon reduction efforts, both in their facilities and supply chains. Pfizer has entered a 15-year agreement to source 310 megawatts of solar energy, significantly cutting its emissions intensity. AstraZeneca’s “Ambition Zero Carbon” programme targets a 98% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2026, supported by green energy use and fleet electrification.
These actions align with broader climate action goals and challenge logistics partners to minimise their own carbon output. At Hydropac, we meet this challenge by delivering sustainable temperature-controlled packaging that performs reliably while supporting our clients’ carbon neutrality ambitions.
Source: https://time.com/6963651/pam-cheng-2
Embracing green manufacturing and clean chemistry
Green manufacturing practices are playing a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, water use, and harmful waste in pharmaceutical production. By replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives, optimising chemical reactions, and closing water loops, companies are reducing their environmental impact and complying with strict environmental protection standards.
Hydropac supports these green practices through cleanroom-compatible pharmaceutical shipping solutions that maintain sterility, reduce material waste, and minimise thermal degradation across the entire life cycle of medicinal products.
Tackling plastic waste through sustainable pharmaceutical packaging
Plastic waste remains a critical issue in pharmaceutical logistics, particularly with cold chain products. To address this, companies are turning to biodegradable materials and recyclable packaging formats. Strategies include eliminating non-essential plastic layers, switching to mono-material designs, and adopting reusable systems.
Hydropac is at the forefront of this movement. Our recyclable LDPE gel packs, recyclable insulation and drain-safe cooling technologies reduce plastic waste and help clients replace outdated polystyrene solutions. These sustainable packaging systems support effective waste management strategies without compromising thermal performance.
Decarbonising the pharmaceutical supply chain
It is estimated that up to 70% of a pharmaceutical company’s carbon footprint lies within its upstream and downstream supply chain, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Companies are now working with platforms like Manufacture 2030 to collect environmental data, reduce emissions intensity, and implement energy-efficient practices across third-party manufacturers.
This requires logistics providers to demonstrate full traceability, temperature control and environmental stewardship. Hydropac meets this demand with customisable PharmaPac systems that support carbon tracking, energy efficiency, and packaging reduction—key tools in lowering the pharmaceutical sector’s environmental burden.
Responding to new environmental regulations and public policy
Governments are stepping up their environmental regulations across the healthcare industry. The European Union’s revised Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive mandates that pharmaceutical manufacturers fund at least 80% of the cost of removing pharmaceutical pollution from wastewater. This signals a growing demand for extended producer responsibility and water protection.
These regulatory shifts increase the need for eco-compliant packaging solutions that are safe, drainable, and designed for circular recovery. Hydropac’s systems help drug makers comply with packaging and waste handling rules while supporting a reduction in water contamination, pharmaceutical effluents, and aquatic ecosystem damage.
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/8589fa20-3bf5-4704-b47b-489f1f1eeb30
Adopting circular economy practices and material recovery
The pharmaceutical sector is beginning to adopt circular economy principles, especially in relation to the reuse of medical devices and shipping components. Studies have shown that remanufacturing items like electrophysiology catheters can reduce the carbon impact by up to 60%, demonstrating how circular solutions reduce resource consumption and extend product life.
Hydropac contributes to this by offering reusable shipping containers and recyclable thermal packaging that limit waste, optimise packaging sizes, and increase operational efficiency across the perishable pharmaceutical supply chain.
Source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.15519
Understanding the link between environmental risks and human health
Unchecked pharmaceutical pollution—especially from drug manufacturing effluents and unused medicines—has been linked to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, hormonal disruptions in aquatic organisms, and risks to human health. These effects represent one of the biggest health threats arising from environmental degradation and require urgent collective action.
By improving packaging practices, reducing hazardous waste, and protecting water supplies, pharma companies can address both environmental risks and public health outcomes. Hydropac plays a critical role here, enabling eco-friendly cold chain logistics that preserve the quality of essential medicines while limiting their environmental fallout.
Conclusion: powering sustainable change in pharmaceutical logistics
The future of the pharmaceutical industry depends not only on developing life-saving drugs, but on delivering them sustainably. Through the integration of renewable energy sources, green chemistry, circular packaging, and policy compliance, the pharma industry is redefining what responsible production looks like.
At Hydropac, we believe temperature-controlled packaging is a critical driver of sustainability and performance. Our sustainable packaging solutions are built to meet strict quality standards while lowering carbon emissions, packaging waste, and water impact across the healthcare sector.
By working with pharmaceutical manufacturers to enable energy-efficient, low-impact logistics, we’re helping to shape a healthier future—for both people and the planet.
Sustainability Hydropac and CSR
Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us – it’s a promise. As we innovate, create, and lead, we keep our planet’s well-being at the forefront. With Hydropac, you’re not just preserving the quality of your cargo; you’re contributing to a healthier world.
Experience the power of sustainable temperature assurance with Hydropac – where excellence and environmental responsibility coexist for a brighter future.
