Navigating sustainability challenges in the pharmaceutical industry in 2025

The pharmaceutical industry is not only highly dependent on natural ecosystems – it also significantly impacts them. As a result, the industry’s relationship with nature presents considerable challenges, from regulatory compliance to operational disruption. Global Cosmetics, Personal Care and Pharma Lead, Emmanuel Hembert, highlights four key themes to guide pharmaceutical companies toward a sustainable future :    

1.Meet increased demand for environmental transparency

European healthcare systems are intensifying their efforts to reduce environmental impact and increase transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. In France, the Directorate General for Enterprise (DGE) is developing a methodology to assess the carbon footprint of medicines to include environmental factors in health product regulations. England and Spain are following a similar course in developing sustainability regulations for the sector. All stakeholders — hospitals, prescribers and governments — are joining regulators in demanding transparency, pushing pharmaceutical companies to align with heightened expectations and stricter regulations.

2. Integrate ecotoxicity considerations into the design phase

Assessing freshwater ecotoxicity impacts has become a significant issue for the pharmaceutical industry. Residues and derivatives (e.g., metabolites) from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients, released during production or after patient use, contribute to chemical pollution and harm aquatic ecosystems. In the coming years, pharmaceutical companies are likely to be expected to account for the ecotoxicity impacts of APIs and other substances throughout the drug lifecycles. A comprehensive ecotoxicity assessment will become a key factor in drug development and production, helping reduce ecological risks and meet stricter regulations and societal expectations beyond climate change/greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting.

3.Implement nature-based strategies

Pharmaceutical companies play a critical role in global health outcomes, but they must also recognize their role in maintaining a healthy planet. In the development of medicines, the industry relies heavily on nature and biodiversity, but also contributes to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. This is why setting science-based targets for nature is essential to safeguarding the future of drug development. By assessing nature-related risks and implementing conservation measures, the pharmaceutical sector can align its operations with broader environmental goals. This requires collaboration, innovation and a shift toward sustainability beyond mere regulatory compliance.

4. Manage ecosystem dependency and the cost of inaction

Well-preserved ecosystems are vital to human health and the pharmaceutical industry, which is dependent on biodiversity to develop medicines. Overexploitation of natural resources, habitat destruction and pollution reduce genetic and biological diversity — posing a threat to the discovery of new active ingredients. Experts estimate that at least one potential medicinal compound is lost every two years due to species extinction. Additionally, the industry’s heavy reliance on water underscores the need for sustainable management to ensure long-term resource availability. Preserving biodiversity ecosystems and implementing integrated water strategies are essential to mitigate risks and ensure business resilience.