Procuring a Sustainable Supply Chain:
Why it’s Important in the Life Sciences

The life sciences industry is fundamental to advancing global health. However, its success often comes with a significant environmental footprint. As the demand for research and healthcare solutions grows, so does the volume of waste and emissions, prompting stricter regulations to encourage sustainable change.

A critical area for improvement is the supply chain, which is estimated to contribute a staggering 71% of the industry’s total emissions. By integrating sustainability directly into procurement and operations, the life sciences sector can make a meaningful and positive impact on our climate.

Understanding Scope 3 Emissions in the Life Sciences Supply Chain

Scope 3 emissions are the indirect greenhouse gases that occur throughout a company’s entire value chain. This includes everything from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing processes to the transportation of goods. For the life sciences industry, it also involves the final disposal of products, which often includes specialised biohazardous waste.

While tracking these emissions can be challenging, it is essential for achieving net-zero goals. The supply chain is a major source of Scope 3 emissions due to:

• Raw material extraction
• Energy-intensive manufacturing
• Global transportation and distribution
• End-of-life product management

By focusing on a more sustainable supply chain, companies can drastically reduce these indirect emissions and move closer to their environmental targets.

How to Procure a More Sustainable Supply Chain

Making a tangible difference begins with strategic procurement. Sourcing materials from suppliers who prioritise sustainability is a crucial first step toward reducing Scope 3 emissions.

Sourcing from Verified Sustainable Partners

Tools like the My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel help procurement teams identify and partner with suppliers aligned with sustainable goals. As the only third-party verified ecolabel for laboratory products, it provides transparent data on a product’s environmental impact. This enables companies to make informed purchasing decisions that support their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives and Scope 3 reporting. When selecting partners, it’s wise to consider working with specialised regulated waste treatment companies that can offer compliant and environmentally sound solutions.

Prioritising Waste Management and the Circular Economy

Effective waste treatment and a commitment to circularity are foundational to a sustainable supply chain. Instead of a linear “take-make-dispose” model, a circular approach extends the life and value of materials. By prioritising waste recycling where possible, the industry can reduce its reliance on virgin raw materials and minimise landfill use.

Implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes safe clinical waste collection and innovative processes like biohazardous waste recycling is key. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also preserves the value of materials that would otherwise be discarded

Fostering Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Acknowledging the problem is the first step, but fostering collaboration is what drives real change. Industry leaders are now launching initiatives to encourage their suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices. For example, GSK’s Sustainable Procurement Programme, launched in 2023, calls for suppliers to commit to sustainability targets while offering support to help them improve. This collaborative approach unites the entire value chain toward a shared goal: achieving a net-zero impact on the climate and effectively managing all forms of biomedical waste. Choosing to partner with forward-thinking biohazardous waste treatment companies can further enhance these collaborative efforts.