Christine Lebeault
In this article Christine Lebeault, Head of Applied Sustainability, Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients, gives her perspective on Responsible Sourcing and Manufacturing: Growing Towards a Sustainable Future with Lonza.
In response to the establishment of environmental impact targets by the pharmaceutical industry, Lonza promotes responsible sourcing practices, sustainable manufacturing standards, and renewable energy utilization showcasing that responsible manufacturing can assist our customers to reach their sustainability goals.
As environmental concerns continue to intensify, the pressure on the pharmaceutical industry to reduce its overall environmental impact, particularly in final dosage forms, is growing proportionately. With over 600 billion pharmaceutical capsules consumed annually worldwide, Lonza (the largest global supplier to the pharmaceutical industry) recognizes its crucial role in driving sustainable practices. Lonza’s comprehensive sustainability approach spans the entire value chain, from raw material selection to end-of-life solutions.
Carbon contributing factors: The mitigating factors throughout the drug development process
The carbon-contributing factors in the production and distribution of Capsugel® capsules at Lonza can be categorized into three main areas: upstream, operational, and downstream activities. Each of these areas plays a critical role in the overall carbon footprint associated with capsule production. It is important to define first that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are classified into three scopes. Scope 1 covers all direct GHG emissions, such as natural gas combustion. Scope 2 covers indirect GHG emissions from the production of purchased energy (e.g. electricity). Finally, Scope 3 covers emissions from the supply chain, mainly from the production of raw materials.
Let us dive deeper into the 3 key areas of carbon emissions across the value chain which is crucial for Lonza to implement effective sustainability measures:
Upstream Activities Indirect Emissions Across the Value Chain (Scope 3)
Carbon emissions at Lonza are primarily introduced upstream through the raw materials used in capsule production, such as gelatin, HPMC, and Pullulan. This segment contributes up to 75% of the total carbon footprint and is primarily derived from raw material sourcing (e.g. Gelatin, HPMC) and initial processing. Lonza has implemented the following robust measures including:
- Sourcing from responsible suppliers that meet strict compliance standards and have programs in place to reduce their emissions in line with science
- Selecting non-GMO and sustainably harvested materials
- Establishing local sourcing networks to reduce transportation emissions
Operational Level (Scope 1: Direct Carbon Emissions and Scope 2: Purchased Electricity and Steam)
At the operational level, Lonza focuses on designing capsule manufacturing equipment that requires less energy and water. Manufacturing processes are optimized to minimize waste, maximize utility efficiency, reclaim energy, and conserve water, ensuring more sustainable and resource-efficient production. Furthermore, Lonza is switching to renewable electricity and gradually to carbon-free energy (e.g. using biomass or heat pumps).
Downstream Activities (Scope 3)
Lonza has designed optimized distribution networks to reduce transport distances to customers, ensuring efficient logistics with a lower carbon footprint. The company focuses on utilizing packaging to minimize end-of-life waste and employs distribution methods that further reduce environmental impact.
Responsible Sourcing
Starting in 2022, Lonza established a dedicated Responsible Sourcing Team, followed by membership with the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative and collaboration with EcoVadis in 2023. In March 2024, Lonza hosted its first digital Responsible Supplier Event which brought together more than 1,100 participants.
By 2028, Lonza aims to ensure that 90% of its spending comes from suppliers with sustainability scores and 67% of Lonza’s Scope 3 emissions are covered by suppliers with science-based targets, in alignment with Lonza’s validated Scope 3 targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Lonza’s ambition is to reach net-zero by 2050. As a first step toward this ambition, Lonza has set Near-Term GHG emissions reduction targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have committed to reduce our scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% (absolute) by the end of 2030 (from a 2021 basis). To achieve this goal, the company is focusing on transitioning to renewable electricity and carbon-free heat, reducing energy consumption, and redesigning manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Together for sustainability with every step forward
By integrating sustainability into the early stages of product development, Lonza is well-positioned to balance environmental impacts with essential product requirements such as safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. This proactive approach enhances the sustainability of drug delivery systems and prepares Lonza for a future where environmental regulations are likely to tighten.
The path forward requires continued innovation, partnership, and dedication to environmental stewardship. As Lonza demonstrates, sustainable practices are not just environmental imperatives but essential components of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through its comprehensive approach to sustainability, Lonza is not only reducing its environmental impact but, also proving that ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing are key to enabling a healthier world. Contact your local Lonza representative to learn more about our sustainability efforts and how we can support your carbon footprint reduction goals.