Saying one is “for the Earth” is akin to saying one likes puppies or small children—a basic platitude that, on its face, seems difficult to argue. But seeking sustainability is more complex, even in oral solid dose manufacturing, which we examine from many angles in this issue.
Packaging seems like low-hanging fruit here. But it’s not so easy. In much of the U.S., those amber prescription bottles may be marked with the “recyclable” logo. However, like many types of plastics, few states have the facilities to transform those old containers into new materials. Blister packaging—more popular in Europe than the U.S.—can, at least, use recycled and recyclable cardboard as a backing. But how often does that happen? And what about the foil? Things get more complicated when one considers other aspects. What is the carbon footprint of a medicine? One would have to include impact of the supply chain, as well as potential byproducts.
There are at least two real-world concerns with seeking sustainability in Pharma. Cost is obviously one. If processes can be both “greener” AND cheaper, then switching over seems a no-brainer. But one has to consider short- versus long-term costs as well. Switching processes, packaging components, or ingredients could require a substantial capital investment for potential long-term savings.
But not at least considering sustainability in all aspects of production seems short-sighted as well. The European Union’s stance on titanium dioxide provides a warning. Although that compound has been essentially banned from manufacturing in the EU more for health than environmental concerns, the new regulation sent ripples through the global pharma market.
I’d wager that more sustainability rules will come sooner rather than later. And even if they are “only” applicable in some parts of the world, the effects will be far reaching, because of the global nature of markets. It’s generally better to anticipate potential regulations than scramble to address them after the fact. That’s probably a platitude, too—but one worth attending.