How the industry is moving towards a greener future at PHARMAP 2026

As a key player in global healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly responsible for minimising the environmental impact. PHARMAP 2026 (Amsterdam, 20-21 April) is fostering a new wave of green initiatives and innovations, with a dedicated session focused on waste reduction and the development of eco-friendly products.

While historically prioritising drug development efficiency and innovation, the pharmaceutical sector is now aware of its effects on the environment. The resource-intensive nature of manufacturing generates a significant ecological footprint, resulting in increased scrutiny from regulators, investors and the public.

Recognising the need for change, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packaging Congress (PHARMAP) 2026 dedicates a panel discussion to explore sustainability challenges in the sector, gathering industry leaders to address major issues. To ensure the session is focused and beneficial, the following industry challenges are analysed when developing the topics.

Reducing waste in manufacturing processes

Driven by regulations, costs and social responsibility, pharmaceutical companies are prioritising waste minimisation through a strategy centred on optimised production, solvent recycling and advanced waste management.

A main consideration for process optimisation is adhering to Green Chemistry Principles, including catalytic efficiency, biodegradable materials and by-product abatement. Complementing Green Chemistry, companies are increasingly using Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to analyse the environmental footprint of a drug from raw material extraction to disposal.

Solvents, comprising 80-90% of the materials used in API synthesis, represents a major source of waste and emissions. Membrane filtration, chromatography and advanced crystallisation are among the techniques now employed to reclaim valuable materials from complex waste streams.

For waste that cannot be recycled, the pharmaceutical sector is embracing circular economy principles through partnerships with waste management companies. Jürgen Bodenmüller, Director of Business Development at SÜDPACK Medica AG, shares his expertise at the PHARMAP 2026 session, focusing on the practical steps and success stories involved in transitioning packaging to a circular and bioeconomy.

Implementation of sustainable packaging

The shift to sustainable pharma packaging relies on a decisive balance: meeting uncompromising safety and regulatory mandates while addressing the imperative to lessen ecological footprint.

A significant challenge in packaging is the use of complex, multi-material designs that hinder recyclability. The newest approach focuses on mono-material designs, intending to create complete packaging solutions, such as blister packs, from a single plastic polymer like polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

As a featured panellist, Maja Diebig-Lorenz, Head of Sustainability and Innovation at INVITE GmbH, offers her expertise on enhancing sustainability in drug containment by focusing on advancements in monoblister technology and process improvements.

Investing in energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a leading strategy for the pharmaceutical industry to lower operational costs and reduce the carbon footprint from energy-intensive R&D, manufacturing and facilities. To achieve net-zero goals, the sector is focusing on direct decarbonisation of its operations using renewable energy.

Sandra Lopes Guerreiro, Global Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Esteve, presents a case study on company's journey to net-zero during PHARMAP 2026. Committed to achieving net-zero by 2050, Esteve is implementing energy efficiency measures, promoting sustainable transportation and launching awareness campaigns.

Where the next great innovation for sustainability begins

Participants' presentations emphasise a dedication to advancing sustainability efforts, promoting collaboration and a forward-thinking exchange of ideas. More than a networking opportunity, PHARMAP 2026 represents a transformative space where dialogues spark action, driving paradigm shifts that are necessary for the pharmaceutical industry's sustainable future.

Discuss today, define tomorrow: https://sh.bgs.group/3c3