Leveraging CDMOs In Pharma's Drive Toward Net Zero

By Wouter Biesemans, vice president – compliance, Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services

The push to reduce carbon emissions across some of the most energy-intensive industries has created new complexities for many companies. For the pharmaceutical industry, working toward net zero can be particularly complicated, as it means targeting improvements within a manufacturing paradigm that is largely outsourced to contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).

Finding a CDMO partner committed to working toward net zero will be crucial for companies trying to stay ahead of emissions requirements. Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, a fully integrated CDMO with sites in Belgium, the U.S., Japan, and India, has established an innovative, effective approach to emissions mitigation that incorporates pioneering technologies, cross-functional teams, and ambitious internal emissions goals to help customers reach carbon neutrality. Ultimately, reducing its CO2 footprint, downsizing energy consumption, and limiting waste are all core facets of Aji Bio-Pharma’s sustainability commitment and initiatives. In 2020, the CDMO reviewed and revised its environmental goals to reflect the longer-term greenhouse gas reduction requirement to meet the Paris Climate Agreement. With its energy and greenhouse gas targets, Aji Bio-Pharma aims to reduce its CO2 emissions intensity to below 50 percent in 2030 and to become carbon neutral in 2050.