Panel Discussion on SUSTAINABILITY

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
The panel discussion brings together a diverse and insightful range of perspectives from experts in the pharmaceutical industry. It is encouraging to see that the importance of Sustainability and the adoption of green chemistry principles is high on every company’s agenda. There is a collective understanding of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

Hans Eder from ZETA emphasizes its importance to view Sustainability as an opportunity rather than a cost. Sensible enterprises recognize the changing business dynamics and the importance of reducing the carbon footprint. This perspective is crucial in fostering a mindset shift towards sustainable practices. Christophe Le Ret from Umicore Precious Metals Chemistry highlights the connection between safety standards and environmental credentials. The relevance of holistic life cycle management and using newer chemistries and catalysts are stressed as enablers of sustainable and cost-efficient synthesis. This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to Sustainability that considers every component of environmental impact. Peter Poechlauer from Patheon, brings in the CDMO perspective and discusses the importance of route scouting and process scouting in the CDMO space. By minimizing chemical steps, protective group usage, and using restricted substances like PFAS, the industry can achieve more sustainable API process development. This emphasizes the need to carefully consider the entire manufacturing process, not just the final product. Gustavo Borrajo-Calleja and Achim Link from Solvias highlight the application of catalysis in making commercial processes greener and more sustainable. The scope and limitations of catalysis in the industry are discussed, along with the choice of earth-abundant metals for catalytic processes. This demonstrates the potential of catalysis as a technology platform for achieving more sustainable manufacturing. Carin Johansson Seechurn from Sinocompound stresses the importance of implementing Sustainability and rationalizing the development of catalysts for greener transformations. By using catalysts, processes can become environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and operate with minimal human intervention and resource usage. This highlights the role of catalysts as a tool for developing truly sustainable processes. Wouter Stam from Flowid offers strategic moves for driving the green revolution through innovations and sustainable chemistry. Integrating green chemistry approaches, such as biocatalysis and flow technology, into pharmaceutical manufacturing processes is emphasized. The importance of connecting green chemistry approaches to business and assessing carbon impact is also highlighted. Michael Nonnenmacher from Evonik Health Care discusses green chemistry as a tool to balance patient safety and environmental Sustainability. The challenge of developing sustainable processes within tight timelines is acknowledged, and green chemistry tools and technologies are seen as valuable in achieving greener processes while meeting regulatory expectations. Steve McIntyre from Almac Sciences views green chemistry as a means to leverage sustainable technology. The industry can achieve more sustainable and cost-effective processes by minimizing waste, increasing process efficiency, and adopting alternative technologies like continuous flow chemistry, biocatalysis, and photocatalysis. The potential of green chemistry approaches in peptide synthesis is also highlighted. Andrea Adamo from Zaiput Flow Technologies emphasizes process intensification and solvent selection as key factors for greener chemistry and a sustainable future. The metrics used to quantify greenness, such as yield, energy consumption, waste generation, and atom efficiency, play a crucial role in evaluating the Sustainability of processes. Adopting continuous phase separation, extraction, and flow-based technologies is seen as a solution to improving processing efficiency.

Dirk Kirschneck from Microinnova Engineering GmbH focuses on minimizing the carbon footprint through process intensification tools and techniques. Greener solvent alternatives and technologies like electrochemistry, ultrasound, and photocatalysis are highlighted in achieving sustainable processes. The need to strike a balance between solvent recovery costs and overall solvent consumption is also mentioned. Susana D. Lucas from Hovione acknowledges the challenges in transitioning from R&D to industrial applications but emphasizes the growing awareness and adoption of green chemistry approaches. Technologies like flow and various aspects of catalysis are seen as enablers for more efficient and sustainable processes. The assessment of processes using metrics like PMI is highlighted as a preferred approach. Roberto Valenti from Bormioli Pharma recognizes the importance of innovation in packaging to reduce the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry. The application of green chemistry principles to sustainable packaging is highlighted, and the need for cross-functional collaboration with government bodies and customer support is emphasized. Darryl Ratty from SK Pharmteco emphasizes adopting systematic approaches and frameworks to uphold safety standards and enhance environmental credentials. The integration of ISO frameworks and engagement with suppliers on sustainability practices are seen as important steps. Preventing waste generation throughout the supply chain, including packaging and energy usage, is highlighted as a key aspect of environmental performance. Xiaoyong from WuXi STA, as a CRDMO, prioritizes Sustainability in its operations. The focus on carbon emission, water resources, solid waste management, and process efficiency showcases a comprehensive approach to Sustainability. The commitment to enhancing capabilities and meeting high expectations for ESG management demonstrates a dedication to creating a sustainable world while advancing patient health.