Exceeding 1.5° C:
How the Biopharma Industry Can Cut Emissions

It was recently announced that we have failed to limit global heating to 1.5°C, a stark realisation that we must act urgently to reduce emissions. Surpassing this threshold means our planet has warmed beyond the key target set by the Paris Agreement, a global treaty designed to unite countries in the fight against climate change.

Scientific research underpinning the agreement warned that exceeding 1.5°C would trigger dire climate impacts. We now face heightened risks of rising sea levels, wildfires, heatwaves, and other environmental consequences. For many industries, this is a serious wake-up call to accelerate sustainable initiatives. For the biopharma sector, a significant contributor to the climate crisis, surpassing this threshold is an urgent call to action. While commitment to the UN Race to Zero campaign is growing, more must be done to address the emissions produced by this industry.

Understanding the Biopharma Industry’s Carbon Footprint

The biopharma industry, whose mission is to protect people and promote health, paradoxically carries a huge carbon footprint. The healthcare sector alone is estimated to contribute 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 71% of that derived from its supply chain, which includes biotech and pharma. From manufacturing and packaging to the complex process of waste treatment, the industry has been tasked with taking serious initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Breaking Down Emissions: Scope 1, 2, and 3

Emissions are gases and particles released into the atmosphere that drive global warming. They are categorised into three distinct scopes:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources a company owns or controls.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy, such as heating, cooling, and electricity.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions from a company’s value chain, including supply chain activities and waste disposal.

Scope 3 emissions represent the largest portion of the biopharma industry’s carbon footprint, a staggering 5.4 times greater than Scope 1 and 2 combined as of 2024. Finding effective solutions for these indirect emissions is the only way for companies to meet net-zero goals and meaningfully combat the climate crisis.

Key Pathways for Reducing Biopharma Emissions

Reducing emissions requires a comprehensive approach across the entire supply chain and waste management lifecycle. A crucial starting point is accurate reporting to identify areas for improvement. From there, building a sustainable supply chain focused on green chemistry and durable materials can drastically cut Scope 3 emissions.

Rethinking Single-Use Plastics and Waste Management

Single-use plastics are prevalent in the biopharma industry due to their cost-effectiveness and role in sterilisation. However, plastic contributes heavily to our climate crisis, from its carbon-intensive manufacturing to its disposal. By procuring products that can be recycled or last longer, the industry can minimise its reliance on virgin plastics.

Developing a robust strategy for managing biohazardous waste is also essential. Historically, methods for handling biomedical waste have involved incineration, autoclaving, and landfill, which have detrimental environmental effects and destroy plastics, making waste recycling impossible. This is where innovative technology offers a transformative alternative.

The Role of Innovative Waste Treatment Technology

Modern solutions like the Envetec GENERATIONS system are changing the landscape for regulated waste treatment companies. GENERATIONS offers a non-thermal treatment that shreds and disinfects waste at the source. This process turns previously unrecyclable materials into a clean, recyclable flake, supporting a circular economy. It is a significant step forward for biohazardous waste recycling.

Furthermore, by integrating with the Siemens Insights Hub, GENERATIONS captures real-time data to support accurate carbon reporting. This kind of innovative technology gives the biopharma industry a powerful advantage in reducing Scope 3 emissions, moving away from outdated methods and towards a more sustainable model that includes efficient clinical waste collection and processing.