Spanish Pharma Leads in Sustainability with Strong ESG and Circular Economy Goals

Farmaindustria’s new sustainability report analyzes progress in environmental protection, social development, and good governance and transparency actions in the pharmaceutical sector.

The second edition of the report “Sustainability in Figures: Social and Environmental Impact of the Pharmaceutical Industry,” prepared by Farmaindustria, highlights that 82% of pharmaceutical companies in Spain have circular economy strategies. This document analyzes the industry’s progress in sustainability, environmental protection, social development, and good governance and transparency measures (ESG criteria).

This year’s sustainability report edition included a survey of its members to analyze their environmental performance. The study involved 55 laboratories, representing 60% of the national market share and sales.

Sustainability: Thanks to eco-design, pharmaceutical companies have managed to save 1,700 tons of packaging materials per year

Sustainability is a key element in the Spanish pharma sector. Relevant data highlight that 82% of pharmaceutical companies have circular economy strategies, while 62% directly or indirectly calculate their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the results show that 57% have science-based emissions reduction targets, and 80% have signed zero-emission or carbon-neutral commitments.

Furthermore, 80% of the energy consumed is renewable, and 1,700 tons of packaging materials have been saved annually thanks to eco-design. According to Ana Bosch , director of Farmaindustria’s Legal Department, “these data demonstrate the industry’s firm commitment to advancing environmental issues .”

Investment in R&D and social impact

Regarding research, the sector invested €1.438 billion in R&D in 2023, of which €600 million went to research projects in collaboration with universities, hospitals, and technology centers. In addition, more than 930 clinical trials were authorized in 2024.

Regarding social impact, the report highlights that the pharmaceutical industry contributes to social well-being not only through the treatments it develops, but also as a driver of employment, inclusion, and economic progress.

“In Spain, pharmaceutical companies support more than 270,000 jobs, of which more than 56,000 are direct,” explained Álvaro Carpintero , Co-Director of Life Sciences Operations in Europe at McKinsey & Company. Carpintero added that pharmaceutical companies are committed to equality, as 56% of the workforce are women and they hold more than 45% of management positions.

__

(Featured image by Ochir-Erdene Oyunmedeg via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in iSanidad. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.