Indian Pharma Implements Sustainable Practices to Prevent Plastic use & Switch to Renewable Energy Sources

Indian pharma is concerned about climate change, global warming, and deforestation. The sector is toughening its stand to implement sustainable practices to prevent plastic use, switch to renewable energy sources and plant trees.

Sandeep Thombre, design head, London Studio, Tata Elxsi said, “It is crucial to recognize sustainable healthcare not just an option but as a necessity for the future. The intersection of design and sustainability offers an opportunity to create medical devices that are not only efficient and effective but also environmentally responsible.”

Tata Elxsi is adopting eco-design principles, promoting energy-efficient technologies, and implementing comprehensive lifecycle assessments to reduce the environmental footprint without compromising on efficacy or accessibility. Through design and technology-led solutions, we help organisations with innovations at different stages of product lifecycle to offer improved resource efficiency, material optimisation, circularity and lead to achieve the ESG targets, he said.

Dilip Surana, CMD, Micro Labs pointed out that the pharmaceutical industry's reliance on plastic for safety and sterility creates a major waste challenge. Improper disposal pollutes landfills and waterways. To be a true ‘Pharmacy of the World,’ Indian companies must embrace environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. There is a need to re-examine the entire supply chain across packaging and shipping materials to assess plastics utilization.

Here, our Dolo 650 partnership with rePurpose Global, aims for plastic neutrality. By embracing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain will ensure patient safety while protecting our planet's health, said the Micro Labs chief.

Emphasizing the need to go beyond the expectations laid down by law in environment protection, Sunil Attavar, president, Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (KDPMA) said that Indian pharma is consciously doing its bit by adopting renewable energy, finding plastic alternatives, among other measures.

We at Group Pharma have launched our first dental product using 100 per cent biodegradable packaging and have set off 100 per cent of our carbon footprint in manufacturing and supply chain. This is a small step to work towards bringing in more sustainable products going forward, he added.

Noting the huge responsibility to protect the planet, manage energy and emissions, Sibaji Biswas, CFO and executive director, Syngene International said, “Our renewable sources constitute over 80 per cent of our energy. We have committed to science-based targets (SBT) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2033. We work with leading suppliers to drive greenhouse gas reduction targets. Our employees also make it doubly important to manage environmental impact proactively”.

Archana Dubey, EVP, international sales, Bal Pharma said, As part of our ESG initiative we have already organized two impactful activities to save our planet and contribute to a greener future! On June 1, 2024, a tree plantation drive was initiated across the company units: Bengaluru 1& 2, Sangli, Rudrapur & Udaipur and our sales office at Gurgaon. To address concerns of plastic pollution a plastic waste collection campaign was held at our Bengaluru facility.

India’s health tech companies too have given a boost green technology adoption. Illamathy E N, director, engineering product management, Ascendion, said, “When we speak on sustainable healthcare solutions, the first few things that strike us are utilizing renewable energy sources, advanced waste management systems, recycled and eco-friendly medical products, biodegradable materials”.

Equally important is preventative healthcare and wellness for the population. Emphasis on lifestyle changes, healthy eating and mental health, reduces demand for medical services, resulting in fewer hospital visits. These eventually lower cost, use of medicines and medical supplies thereby contributing to resource conservation. Ultimately, healthier communities will contribute to sustainable environmental development, she added.