A sustainability framework for reducing emissions and water use in global pharmaceutical manufacturing
1
Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim GmbH, Eysins, Switzerland
2
Value and Evidence, EVERSANA, Victoria, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water use globally, there is increasing pressure on healthcare manufacturers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. In response to this growing environmental burden, global pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fresenius Kabi has developed a comprehensive sustainability framework with clearly defined and transparent goals, targeting reductions in GHG emissions and water use.
METHODS:
Fresenius Kabi developed a sustainability framework focused on reducing emissions and improving water management across its global manufacturing network. Fresenius Kabi aims to reduce direct emissions from business activities (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased energy (Scope 2) by 50% by 2030, relative to 2020 baseline emissions. Moreover, Fresenius Kabi implemented water management initiatives that include systematic tracking of water withdrawal through internal data management systems and quarterly performance assessments. The goal is to reduce process water withdrawal by 20% in water‑stressed regions by 2030, compared to baseline use in 2023.
RESULTS:
By 2024, Fresenius Kabi achieved a reduction of approximately 25% in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions relative to 2020 baseline levels. During the same year, 375,000 MWh of energy, representing 61% of total electricity consumption for production processes, was supplied by renewable sources. Additionally, in 2024, eight water-related projects were implemented at production sites that save up to 53,000 m³ of water annually. Overall, Fresenius Kabi’s water reduction initiatives led to a 2% reduction in total water withdrawal between 2023 and 2024 (9,708,281 m³ vs. 9,889,403 m³). In September 2025, Fresenius Kabi earned an EcoVadis bronze medal, ranking in the top 35% of all rated companies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Through sustained investment in renewable energy and robust water management strategies, Fresenius Kabi continues to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and advancing sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.
As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water use globally, there is increasing pressure on healthcare manufacturers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. In response to this growing environmental burden, global pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fresenius Kabi has developed a comprehensive sustainability framework with clearly defined and transparent goals, targeting reductions in GHG emissions and water use.
METHODS:
Fresenius Kabi developed a sustainability framework focused on reducing emissions and improving water management across its global manufacturing network. Fresenius Kabi aims to reduce direct emissions from business activities (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased energy (Scope 2) by 50% by 2030, relative to 2020 baseline emissions. Moreover, Fresenius Kabi implemented water management initiatives that include systematic tracking of water withdrawal through internal data management systems and quarterly performance assessments. The goal is to reduce process water withdrawal by 20% in water‑stressed regions by 2030, compared to baseline use in 2023.
RESULTS:
By 2024, Fresenius Kabi achieved a reduction of approximately 25% in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions relative to 2020 baseline levels. During the same year, 375,000 MWh of energy, representing 61% of total electricity consumption for production processes, was supplied by renewable sources. Additionally, in 2024, eight water-related projects were implemented at production sites that save up to 53,000 m³ of water annually. Overall, Fresenius Kabi’s water reduction initiatives led to a 2% reduction in total water withdrawal between 2023 and 2024 (9,708,281 m³ vs. 9,889,403 m³). In September 2025, Fresenius Kabi earned an EcoVadis bronze medal, ranking in the top 35% of all rated companies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Through sustained investment in renewable energy and robust water management strategies, Fresenius Kabi continues to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and advancing sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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