We are working to advance more sustainable practices across our sector, knowing that human health and environmental health are closely interconnected. We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment while safeguarding a reliable supply of medicine.
A dedicated Medicines for Europe Sustainability Committee helps coordinate and govern our priorities and joint efforts. Via the Medicines for Europe Sustainability Academy, available to all members, we are actively working to build awareness and support best practice sharing across our sector with the aim to support more sustainable outcomes. The priorities of the committee are to:
Work to Minimise Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
We collaborate to develop and implement practices to reduce pharmaceutical residues in the environment, principles for responsible effluent management to minimise pharmaceutical discharge from manufacturing processes. As a Board member of the AMR Industry Alliance, we helped develop the now certifiable standard on Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard, facilitated by BSI Standards Limited.
Advocate for Sustainable Policies
Medicines for Europe actively shapes EU policies that incentivise practices for more sustainable outcomes while ensuring access to essential medicines. This includes:
Supporting the General Pharmaceutical Legislation, which promotes the availability of affordable medicines.
Working within the EU Industrial Strategy to ensure the resilience of the European pharmaceutical sector while promoting reduced environmental impact.
Contributing to the Zero Pollution Action Plan by encouraging and supporting implementation of measures to reduce pharmaceutical residues in the environment.
As part of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, many of our members have established science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in support of the Paris Agreement and are working across the pharmaceutical supply chain to encourage GHG reductions beyond their own operations. We systematically monitor progress across our membership, to help drive advancement and support accountability.
The Pharmaceutical Industry’s Proposal for Environmental Protection
The pharmaceutical industry is committed to environmental protection, contributing to the health and safety of future generations. We propose actions in three key areas where we have the greatest leverage:
Pillar 1: Research on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE)
The industry is engaged in scientific research, such as the iPiE project and the IMI Premier project, to assess the environmental impact of legacy and new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). We are committed to filling knowledge gaps, prioritizing medicines for deeper environmental assessments, and ensuring that environmental risks are well understood in product development.
Pillar 2: Pharmaceutical Site Effluent Management
We are enhancing efforts to control pharmaceutical effluent discharges through the implementation of best practices and exchange of knowledge. Our industry has already developed guidance to better manage effluent control, ensuring that our manufacturing processes minimize environmental impact.
Pillar 3: Extended Environmental Risk Assessments (eERA)
We have developed proposals to refine the Environmental Risk Assessment process, extending it beyond marketing authorizations. By considering new scientific findings and adjusting exposure predictions, we aim to ensure that all medicinal products are assessed for their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
Additionally, we are supporting public communication efforts, such as the #medsdisposal campaign, to promote responsible use and disposal of medicines.
These actionable steps demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future. Medicines for Europe is dedicated to making the pharmaceutical sector more environmentally responsible, while ensuring access to affordable medicines. Through collaboration, science-based policy-making, and continuous improvement, we will contribute to a healthier planet and better future for all.
In addition to these specific areas for action, the pharmaceutical industry stands ready to support European and MSs communication activities and awareness raising campaigns aimed at patients and public on the appropriate use, storage and disposal of medicines. A social media campaign #medsdisposal on the appropriate disposal of medicines was launched in June 2015. This is a joint initiative between European healthcare, industry and student organisations. Further information is available at http://medsdisposal.eu/.
Medsdisposal is an online communication campaign aimed at raising public awareness on the existing collection and disposal schemes already in place in Member States, emphasizing the fact that it is everyone’s responsibility and it is easier than one may think.
Open letter from EFPIA, AESGP and EGA addressing the public debate regarding pharmaceuticals in the environment, antimicrobial resistance and the manufacturing aspect: view here
Joint Press Statement of the Inter Associations Initiative (IAI) Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Task Force (AESGP, EFPIA, Medicines for Europe) – European Union Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: view here
Open letter from EFPIA, AESGP and EGA addressing the public debate regarding pharmaceuticals in the environment, antimicrobial resistance and the manufacturing aspect: view here
Eco-Pharmaco-Stewardship (EPS) – Pillar 1 – Research & Development: Intelligence led assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment (iPiE):view here
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
