CLIMATE ACTION IN THE PHARMA INDUSTRY

FORLIANCE enables the pharma industry to align business models with effective climate strategies and nature-based solutions.

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HOW FORLIANCE CAN HELP THE PHARMA SECTOR TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE

 

In a highly regulated and innovation-driven environment like the pharma sector, sustainability has evolved from a compliance issue to a strategic business imperative. Yet, challenges such as high energy consumption, global supply chains, and clinical waste pose persistent barriers. FORLIANCE offers concrete solutions that integrate sustainable practices into core pharma operations. 

With real-world experience, FORLIANCE supports pharma companies to move from fragmented sustainability efforts to cohesive, climate-aligned strategies—combining carbon footprint reduction with measurable ecological and social co-benefits. Our nature-based solutions not only reduce emissions but also enhance biodiversity and strengthen local communities, paving the way for a sustainable pharma industry that drives innovation and responsibility hand in hand. 

KEY CLIMATE CHALLENGES FOR THE PHARMA INDUSTRY

Carbon-Intensive Manufacturing Processes

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is energy-intensive, with significant emissions stemming from HVAC systems, sterilization, and active ingredient synthesis. Addressing this challenge by implementing energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sourcing can reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, positioning companies as leaders in sustainable pharma transformation.

Complex Global Supply Chains

The pharma industry operates global supply chains that involve emissions across multiple tiers and regions. Without transparent tracking and verified emissions data, sustainability targets become difficult to measure. A thorough carbon accounting system enables companies to identify hotspots and initiate decarbonization initiatives aligned with CSRD requirements.

Clinical Waste and Environmental Hazards

The disposal of packaging, expired drugs, and single-use equipment contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Innovative waste management practices and circular economy principles can minimize ecological impact and strengthen ESG credentials across the sustainable pharma industry.

Regulatory Pressure and Stakeholder Demands

Increasing global pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers is pushing pharma companies to disclose climate data in alignment with the EU CSRD and global ESG frameworks. Establishing robust reporting structures ensures compliance and enhances transparency for long-term resilience in the pharma sector.

Lack of Industry-Specific Climate Projects

Generic carbon offsets often fail to address pharma-specific emissions profiles. Developing tailored climate projects—such as forest-based carbon sequestration or renewable energy initiatives linked to pharma production zones—ensures high-impact, sector-aligned climate action.

Integration of Climate Strategy Into R&D Pipelines

Sustainability considerations are rarely embedded into the early stages of drug development. Integrating sustainable pharma practices into R&D can lead to long-term reductions in environmental impact while fostering innovation through green chemistry and sustainable packaging design.

IMPACT-DRIVEN CLIMATE CONSULTING FOR THE PHARMA INDUSTRY

OUR SOLUTION

 

Emissions Analysis & Reporting

FORLIANCE offers detailed carbon assessments across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, enabling pharma companies to identify decarbonization pathways that align with scientific emission reduction targets and regulatory demands. 

Carbon Footprinting

With tailored carbon footprinting models for the pharma industry, we deliver clear, science-based metrics that serve as a foundation for climate strategies and investor-grade sustainability reporting. 

Climate Project Development

We develop sector-specific, nature-based climate projects that create verifiable carbon credits while addressing pharmaceutical sustainability concerns—like land use near manufacturing facilities or energy sourcing. 

CSRD-Aligned Reporting Support

FORLIANCE guides companies in structuring climate disclosures that meet the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), improving stakeholder trust and future-proofing business models in the sustainable pharma industry. 

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Start your climate journey today

FORLIANCE helps you turn complex climate challenges into actionable, industry-ready solutions — start your transformation today. 

Milan Pal, Manager Partnerships Development
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FAQs ON CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PHARMA INDUSTRY

 

How can pharma companies reduce their Scope 3 emissions effectively?

Scope 3 emissions, which often make up over 70% of a pharmaceutical company's total emissions, stem largely from suppliers, logistics, packaging, and even end-of-life treatment of products. To reduce them effectively, pharma companies must first gain full transparency across their supply chains. 

FORLIANCE supports this by conducting a granular emissions hotspot analysis, enabling companies to trace emissions down to raw material and distribution levels. Through supplier engagement programs, science-based target alignment, and digital MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) frameworks, FORLIANCE helps companies implement measurable Scope 3 reduction strategies that are both practical and auditable. 

Why is carbon footprinting important in the pharma sector?

The pharma industry is characterized by complex production processes, energy-intensive cleanroom operations, and global distribution networks. A detailed carbon footprint provides visibility into emissions across all scopes and identifies key intervention points. 

For example, packaging innovations, solvent recovery systems, and cold-chain logistics optimization can be pinpointed as high-impact areas. FORLIANCE offers sector-specific carbon accounting that feeds directly into climate strategies and ESG reports—ensuring compliance with global disclosure standards and enabling pharmaceutical firms to make data-driven decisions that balance sustainability with operational efficiency. 

What role do nature-based solutions play in pharma sustainability?

Nature-based solutions—such as reforestation, agroforestry, and wetland restoration—are a powerful lever for sustainable pharma practices because they simultaneously reduce emissions and generate co-benefits like biodiversity preservation and local community resilience. 

FORLIANCE specializes in the development and integration of certified, high-quality climate projects that can be used to offset residual emissions in line with voluntary carbon market standards. These projects allow pharma companies to go beyond reduction and contribute meaningfully to ecosystem restoration, while also improving their sustainability narratives and stakeholder trust. 

How can pharma firms meet CSRD reporting requirements?

Under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), pharma companies operating in or trading with the EU must report on their environmental and social impacts—including detailed climate risk assessments, transition plans, and Scope 1-3 emissions data. FORLIANCE helps pharmaceutical firms align their reporting structures with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) through bespoke templates, stakeholder materiality assessments, and fully traceable emissions data. Our support ensures that reports are not only compliant, but also investor-grade, audit-ready, and aligned with broader ESG and Net Zero strategies. 

Is climate strategy relevant in early-stage drug development?

Absolutely. The R&D phase represents a significant opportunity to integrate climate-conscious decisions that impact the entire product lifecycle. FORLIANCE helps pharma companies embed sustainability into early-stage research by advising on the use of low-impact materials, lifecycle analysis of new compounds, and sustainable lab practices. 

By considering carbon intensity during the development of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and packaging design, companies can future-proof their product pipelines and reduce environmental costs long before manufacturing begins. This holistic integration supports long-term climate resilience and regulatory readiness. 

What are the benefits of climate partnerships for pharmaceutical companies?

Long-term climate partnerships offer consistency, credibility, and deep sectoral alignment. FORLIANCE builds strategic relationships with pharmaceutical companies to deliver tailored, science-based climate solutions across departments—from operations to procurement and R&D. These partnerships enable continuity in emissions tracking, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement. 

As sustainability becomes a core metric for investors and regulators, reliable partnerships ensure that pharma companies not only meet their targets but also communicate progress transparently and effectively. 

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FORLIANCE GmbH
+49 (0) 228-969 119 – 0
info@forliance.com

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53119 Bonn
Germany