Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing
Meeting sustainability goals without compromising product quality or safety
As the world becomes increasingly focused on environmental responsibility, the bioprocessing industry is transforming its approach to reduce its environmental footprint without compromising quality or safety.
Today’s medicine manufacturing involves a wide array of complex, resource-intensive processes; from chemical synthesis in traditional pharmaceutical production to biological methods in bioprocessing, which uses living cells to develop drugs and vaccines. Both sectors face unique challenges in reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and controlling emissions.
In the bioprocessing sector, where biologics, vaccines, and cell-based therapies are produced using live cells, sustainable manufacturing requires different approaches. Bioprocessing often involves significant use of single-use plastic systems for sterility, which can lead to high levels of plastic waste. However, the sector is innovating with new biodegradable and recyclable single-use technologies, allowing manufacturers to reduce waste without compromising product quality or safety.
Bioprocessing companies are implementing techniques such as process intensification, where processes are streamlined to use fewer materials, energy, and water. By optimizing cell culture conditions and nutrient delivery, for instance, companies can achieve higher yields from smaller batches, leading to less resource consumption per unit of product.
Each case study featured here dives into real-world applications of sustainable practices. By rethinking every stage of production, from facility design, resource sourcing and process design to waste management, BIA’s MAC companies are creating sustainable models that can inspire similar changes across the industry.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca: Smart metering product
Ipsen
Ipsen case study 1: Plant steam boiler optimisation
Ipsen case study 2: Refrigerant gas replacement and leak detection
FUJIFILM DB
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies: Surprising sustainability benefits of electronic batch records
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult: WFI generation reverse-osmosis with ultrafiltration
GSK, Ecolab and Nalco
GSK enhances sustainability and safety with Ecolab and Nalco Water
