Green transition for the life sciences sector challenging but possible

The production, distribution and use of medical devices and medicines have a large climate and environmental footprint. The life science industry needs to do something about it.

“The keys to a green transition lie in many areas: from switching to green carbon sources and reducing material flows, to preventing toxic substances from reaching the ecosystem and making transport more efficient,” says Christina Jönsson, head of the Methodology, Textile and Medical Technology department at RISE.

As the life science industry is multifaceted, it is difficult to account for the industry's total climate impact. However, calculations show that the healthcare sector is estimated to account for 4-5 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The majority, 70 per cent, comes from the supply chain, and mainly from transport. And the sector faces particular challenges. The industry is highly regulated, making circular change more difficult to implement than in many other industries.

“Just think of all the disposable items used in healthcare. They have to be of high quality, sterile and non-recyclable due to the risk of infection,” says Sarah Thunberg, Head of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Toxicology department at RISE.

Essential to reduce carbon footprint

Packaging that is in direct contact with medicines and sensitive medical devices - such as sampling devices - is also exempt from the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements on recyclability and recycled content until 1 January 2035.

"However, the EU is working intensively on sustainability issues and several other bodies regulating the life sciences industry are also reviewing their regulations. The industry itself is also driving the transition,” says Christina Jönsson.

She believes that one way forward is to work much more with differentiation and gives an example:

”The tubes in IVs or catheters that go into the body should probably not be made from recycled products or be recycled. But the disposable plastic gloves that staff use might be.”

Many factors to consider for a sustainable transition

Finding the balance between stable production, economic viability and proven benefits for biodiversity and climate is a challenge.

“Us researchers can help improve understanding of what can change and contribute with relevant assessment methods and tools. This will ensure that efforts are targeted where they are needed and most effective," says Sarah Thunberg.

For example, reducing the carbon footprint by producing sustainable pharmaceutical packaging has a relatively small impact compared to the carbon emissions from production and distribution.

-“Instead, you can change your production and distribution by choosing green chemistry, more energy-efficient production alternatives and reducing the use of fossil fuels in transport," says Sarah Thunberg.

RISE's experts can support companies that want to reduce their impact on people, the environment and the climate through this type of 'green innovation'.

“We're offering advice and circular business models in areas such as material conversion, green chemistry, pharmaceutical development and product life cycle analysis," says Sarah Thunberg.

Sustainable life sciences are the future

It can be wise to get on board with the transition right from the start. Although many of today's regulations have had exemptions for the life sciences industry and healthcare, this is likely to change.

“The issue is on the table but nothing has been decided yet on where, how and when it will be more clearly set out in legislation. But the fact that the discussion is now taking place is a signal for companies to be aware of. The life science companies that work with ecological sustainability in harmony with patient safety will gain market advantages,” says Christina Jönsson.