Summer PharmaChem 2025

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CONTENTS

2 MINISTER’S FOREWORD

As global trade faces increasing uncertainty, collaboration and future planning will be essential to securing the future of Biopharma in Ireland, writes Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD.

6 BIOPHARMACHEM IMPACT

Sinéad Keogh, Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, presents some key insights from the 2025 BioPharmaChem Impact conference, while Eimear Curran, Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland, reports from the inaugural BioPharmaChem Impact Awards.

14 SUSTAINABILITY

Michael Kilkelly, Senior Executive EHS, BioPharmaChem Ireland, advises on a sustainable strategy for Ireland’s Biopharma industry.

18 EU LEGISLATION

Lisa Goodman, Senior Public Affairs Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland, explains the need for ambitious EU policies to promote innovation and competitiveness in the BioPharmaChem sector.

20 BIOPHARMA BUSINESS SERVICES STRATEGY

BioPharmaChem Ireland have launched a bold new BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025, aimed at ensuring the continued growth of this important and valuable part of the Irish Biopharma industry.

24 SKILLS & TALENT

The future of Ireland’s Biopharma sector depends on its ability to cultivate a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce, which requires a shared commitment from all stakeholders, writes Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

28 WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Ensuring a healthy workplace goes far beyond perks or wellness days and is about creating a culture and environment where people can thrive safely, sustainably and successfully, writes Patrick Haslett, Commercial Product Manager, Ibec.

30 NIBRT

Melissa Hoare, NIBRT’s Education Partnerships Senior Manager, explains why NIBRT’s key focus remains to ensure that Ireland’s Biopharmaceutical industry has access to best-in-class talent.

34 IDA IRELAND

Rory Mullen, Global Head of Biopharma, IDA Ireland, assesses the impact of Ireland on the global Biopharma sector and the changing landscape that needs to be traversed if we are to continue to remain competitive.

36 INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATIONS

Sinéad Keogh reports from the recent meeting of the International Council of Biotechnology Associations in Boston.

38 IBEC: OUR BUSINESS AMBITION

‘Our Business Ambition’ is Ibec’s new campaign addressing the country’s competitiveness and productivity challenges.

39 PMTC

The PMTC brings together multinationals, SMEs, and academic institutions to focus on real-world challenges facing pharmaceutical manufacturers.

41 WUXI BIOLOGICS IRELAND

WuXi Biologics’ drug substance manufacturing site in Dundalk, County Louth, is a true world-class hub for biologics innovation and manufacturing.

42 RAW MATERIAL TESTING

Identity testing of raw materials is made easy using Lyza 7000 and Spectroscopy Suite from Anton Paar.

44 INDUSTRIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

Indaver offer smart, safe and circular waste solutions for a resilient Irish pharma industry.

46 HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE REGULATION

Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s new Environmental Control Test Chamber is an award-winning innovation in humidity and temperature regulation.

48 SUPPLY CHAIN

Ross Looney, Chief Operating Officer at NCC, discusses how pharmaceutical companies can strengthen their supply chains to withstand ongoing uncertainty.

50 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Soltec’s €6.8 million state-of-the-art treatment facility increases their capacity to treat hazardous waste by 300%.

52 SK PHARMTECO

SK pharmteco’s commitment to API production is evident with the opening of two new state-of-the-art facilities at its Swords plant over the next year.

53 CLIMATE-CONTROLLED STORAGE

CRS Pharma Solutions are specialist providers of modular, climate-controlled storage designed specifically for the pharmaceutical sector.

54 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

When it comes to digitalisation, standardisation must come before innovation, write Vivek Kasture, Deepak Jayakumar, and Johanna Mc Loughlin, EY Ireland.

58 ENTERPRISE IRELAND

‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally’ is the title of Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy for 20252029.

59 EMPLOYMENT LAW

Navigating the updates on gender pay gap reporting and pay transparency at national and EU level.

Opportunity amid unpredictability

As global trade faces increasing uncertainty, collaboration and future planning will be essential to securing the future of Biopharma in Ireland, writes Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD.

I am pleased to contribute once again to the foreword to this year’s Summer Edition of the IrIsh Pharmachem Yearbook and would like to thank the team at PharmaChem for the opportunity for doing so.

While we might think of 2025 as a year of challenges and uncertainties, we can also look at the great accomplishments and opportunities that have been built on the hard work of the dedicated, passionate and exemplary Biopharma workforce in this country.

Pharmaceuticals have been of key importance to the Irish economy for the past several decades and its workers and companies have been at the forefront of Irish innovation. Biopharmaceuticals are responsible for over €100 billion of exports and currently over 45,000 people are employed directly by IDA client companies. Ireland is home to 13 of the world’s top 15 pharmaceutical companies. This ongoing importance is reflected in the €6 billion currently being invested across 15 sites in Ireland in this sector. As a result, Ireland is determined to remain a leading location in which to grow, innovate and succeed.

Key to Ireland’s success in the Biopharma sector is our very open economy. This allows us to outperform our geographical and demographic size in reaching and capturing global markets. The US and Europe are

key export markets for Ireland, with North America making up 42% of all exports, 41.5% going to Europe and the remaining 18.5% going to the rest of the world. However, this trade relationship flows both ways; Ireland is the sixth largest source of FDI into the US and is the third largest EU source behind Germany and France.

The EU-US trade and investment relationship is the most significant trading relationship in the world, with Ireland benefiting from the decisions of many US firms to set up their EU or EMEA operations here. In this regard, Ireland remains committed to the principles of free and open trade, which has underpinned the country’s economic success. Free and open trade brings economic opportunities, creates jobs and fosters innovation. It builds economic resilience within a strong, rules-based international trading system.

Building a sustainable and resilient industry

While there are some uncertainties in the global market at present, there are still strong reasons to be optimistic about the growth prospects for Ireland’s Biopharma industry.

IDA Ireland’s new strategy highlighted the potential for growth in the sector in the coming years, with Ireland well-positioned

to capitalise on opportunities where Life Sciences intersects with other era-defining trends. This includes ‘smart’ medical technologies, digital and connected health, next-generation therapies, accelerated drug development, advanced manufacturing, and commercial services.

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

Ireland’s EU membership also provides a valuable platform to deepen relationships with EU partners, neighbours and other likeminded markets.

Furthermore, investment in talent remains a cornerstone of industry growth. The Government’s ongoing commitment to training and reskilling programmes will play a crucial role in ensuring the sector remains competitive and continues to thrive.

Regulation and competition

Global competitiveness is at the heart of the success of Biopharma. A key advantage of Ireland’s Biopharma industry is its position within the EU and its access to the Single Market. I welcome recent European initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chains and addressing pharmaceutical shortages, including the Strategy for European Life Sciences, the EU Pharma legislative packages, and the Draghi report on EU competitiveness.

My Department will be working with our counterparts in Europe to uphold frictionless and mutually beneficial trade, vital for the growth of the pharmaceuticals industry and the supply of affordable medicines for citizens.

The pharma industry in Ireland has had an exemplary regulatory compliance record, which is fundamental to ensuring

“ Recognising the evolving challenges facing the industry, my Department is actively seeking to address these through the development of a National Life Sciences Strategy to support the continued growth and resilience of the sector.”

access to safe and reliable pharmaceuticals. It is important, however, to take holistic consideration of regulations. Working across Government, we will ensure that inputs from key stakeholders, including industry, are appropriately represented so that we can achieve the objective of ensuring a balance of access for patients, without hindering innovation and competitiveness for businesses in Ireland.

Driving innovations in Biopharma

The Life Sciences sector is among the most innovative in Ireland. We need to ensure that this pipeline of talent continues, and this means fostering greater links between academia and industry. Ireland is a leader in this area, with the highest number of STEM graduates per capita and the highest number attaining third level education in Europe.

Work of the recent Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has indicated that there will likely be 21,000 more jobs in this sector by 2027, with more than half of these in manufacturing. This talent needs to be nurtured and developed.

The pharma industry in Ireland has had an exemplary regulatory compliance record, which is fundamental to ensuring access to safe and reliable pharmaceuticals.

Global competitiveness is at the heart of the success of Biopharma.

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

There have been several successful partnerships between businesses and academia, such as the €5 million Signature Innovation Partnership between Medtronic and University of Galway established in 2023, or the recently announced iBio course between University of Limerick, Eli Lilly and Co Ltd and Analog Devices Ltd to begin in 2026. Collaborations such as these can help with developing curricula to better train graduates and will help to ensure they are optimally prepared for the evolving needs of the sector.

The sector thrives not only on a strong foundation of skilled talent, but is also underpinned by supportive government policies and a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This environment has been fostered through strategic investments and a collaborative approach to research and development.

Industry-academia partnerships have played a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation activities, supporting the development of cutting-edge therapies and technologies. Our €500 million Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, for example, has supported several transformative projects in this sector and exemplifies Ireland’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global Biopharma innovation.

These collaborations not only enhance the capabilities of multinational companies operating in Ireland but also empower indigenous enterprises and start-ups to grow and compete on a global scale.

Biopharma is also making strides towards a more sustainable future in adopting environmentally responsible practices –achieving a near 50% increase in outputs while simultaneously reducing power usage. Innovations such as these not only deliver

cost savings for businesses but contribute to the sector’s broader green transition agenda.

Towards a National Life Sciences Strategy

While the achievements of the Biopharma sector are extensive, they must not be taken for granted. Recognising the evolving challenges facing the industry, my Department is actively seeking to address these through the development of a National Life Sciences Strategy to support the continued growth and resilience of the sector. As the Life Sciences Sector accounts for over 100,000 jobs and over €130 billion in exports, its continued success and competitiveness is critical.

Bringing together departments, agencies, stakeholders and industry representatives in a coherent process, we will set out an ambitious approach to addressing future challenges while positioning ourselves to capitalise on opportunities. Biopharma will remain of critical importance.

Conclusion

I hope that as you read this edition of the IrIsh Pharmachem Yearbook you will be encouraged to engage with the development of our National Life Sciences Strategy. I encourage you to share your perspectives and to engage in the different stages of the process. Together we can continue to strengthen this innovative and resilient sector, ensuring that Ireland remains an international leader in Biopharma – one that is not only world-class but world-leading.

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

Unlocking the Potential of the BioPharmaChem Ecosystem

Sinéad Keogh , Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, presents some key insights from the 2025 BioPharmaChem Impact conference.

In an era of rapid change, gathering industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and share best practices is crucial. The 2025 BioPharmaChem Impact Conference, held on May 8, 2025, at Killashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, with over 300 delegates, provided a valuable platform to explore Ireland’s BioPharmaChem sector’s potential. Under the theme of ‘Realising the Potential of the Ecosystem’, the conference offered compelling insights into industry trends, future challenges, and strategic pathways forward.

Global trends and their impact on the biopharmachem sector

A key theme was the increasingly complex global landscape and its profound implications for the industry. From regulatory pressures and shifting market demands to evolving reimbursement models and geopolitical uncertainty, companies are navigating a rapidly changing environment that offers both challenges and opportunities.

Tariffs and counter-tariffs are reshaping trade strategies, compelling companies to rethink their global operations. The European Union, in particular, faces trade disputes that could impact the Life Sciences sector significantly. Balancing competitiveness with sustainability, European governments are also under pressure to develop robust regulatory frameworks that support continued innovation and investment within the region.

Building resilience and flexibility in supply chains

Another major focus was the need for resilient, agile supply chains. The conference

highlighted how many organisations are realigning towards localisation to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and global disruptions. Companies are diversifying their services and expanding international networks, shifting from cost-driven sourcing to prioritising quality and sustainability.

As demand for pharmaceutical products grows, particularly in emerging markets, CDMOs face increasing pressure to meet tight deadlines, deliver high-quality outputs, and uphold sustainability standards. Building resilient supply chains capable of withstanding global shocks is critical. To this end, CMOs are adopting flexible manufacturing strategies that respond swiftly to market shifts. As organisations expand their footprints and diversify their client bases, collaboration across sectors, including suppliers, manufacturers and governments, has become vital to building a resilient ecosystem.

Investing in infrastructure for a sustainable future

Sustainability remains a driving force behind sector transformation. Stakeholders recognise the importance of reducing environmental impacts through greener, more sustainable operations. Many organisations shared their commitments to achieving net-zero emissions and embedding sustainability into every aspect of their business, from supply chain management to product lifecycle.

While Scope 1 and 2 emissions are relatively manageable, up to 70% of emissions originate from suppliers, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive Scope 3 emissions tracking and greener procurement

Pictured are (standing, l-r): Joyce Fitzharris, Chair of BPCI and President of SK pharmteco, Small Molecule, Europe; Sinéad Keogh, Director of BPCI and Head of Sectors at Ibec; Professor Damien Thompson, Director of SSPC; Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director of BPCI; and (seated, l-r): Johanna McLoughlin, EY Ireland Consulting Partner and Life Sciences Sector Leader; and Dana Daneshvari, General Manager & Vice President of Manufacturing, Large Molecule, at J&J Innovative Medicine, Ringaskiddy, Cork and Vice-Chair of BPCI.

BIOPHARMACHEM IMPACT

practices. Ireland’s PR5 and PR6 infrastructure plans, involving billions of euro of investment in substations and grid resilience, will support the sector’s energy needs for the future.

The panellists agreed that forward-looking regulation is essential. Policies must address environmental concerns, while remaining adaptable to technological advancements. Governments are encouraged to foster innovation, protect public health, and balance competitiveness with societal goals such as reducing carbon emissions and ensuring equitable healthcare.

Positioning Ireland as a hub for innovation

A standout theme was the critical role of industry/academic collaboration in fostering innovation and workforce development. Ireland’s research institutions, NIBRT, PMTC, and SSPC, are central to developing a skilled talent pool needed to compete globally.

By strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, Ireland can establish itself as a global Life Sciences innovation hub. Strategic investments in public research, support for start-ups, and entrepreneurial ventures are vital. Overcoming barriers such as funding gaps and regulatory challenges will be key to transforming this potential into a thriving biotech ecosystem.

The AI-focused panel underscored the significant role of artificial intelligence in transforming the sector, speeding up drug development, optimising manufacturing, and enabling smarter, data-driven decision making. Ireland’s strong digital infrastructure and existing research collaborations position it uniquely to lead in AI-enabled innovation. Investing in skills development in AI, data science, and digital technologies will be crucial to maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge and realising the full potential of an increasingly digitalised BioPharmaChem ecosystem.

We look forward to launching our AI use case roadmap later this year, with Connected Health Skillnet and Brightbeam.

The role of Global Business Services (GBS) in supporting the ecosystem

Ireland’s status as a hub for multinational companies makes GBS a key driver of sector growth. Nearly 9,500 professionals, about 20% of the

BioPharmaChem workforce, support a dynamic services sector that has expanded from finance to include medical information, clinical trials, supply chain management, and increasingly complex functions like R&D.

To maximise this potential, attracting talent in AI, digitalisation, and data analytics is essential. GBS can help companies navigate regulatory and market challenges, with strong leadership and strategic planning vital for growth. During the conference, BioPharmaChem Ireland launched its Business Services strategy, focusing on value enhancement, talent development, and digital infrastructure. By leveraging Ireland’s manufacturing and academic strengths, we aim to establish the country as the ‘Location of Choice’ for high-value Biopharma services.

Building a resilient, future-ready ecosystem

The 2025 BioPharmaChem Conference provided vital insights into the sector’s future and ongoing challenges. Through collaboration between industry, regulators, academia, and Government, Ireland can unlock its full BioPharmaChem potential.

Looking ahead, the National Life Sciences Strategy will be instrumental in maintaining Ireland’s global leadership. This strategy must align with national and EU objectives, prioritising sustainable manufacturing, cutting-edge R&D, and workforce development. Achieving this vision requires sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation.

To support the ecosystem’s growth, BioPharmaChem Ireland is committed to advocating for policies that reduce barriers to innovation, support R&D, advanced manufacturing, and ensure regulatory frameworks are fit for purpose. Through our initiatives such as our advocacy work, our technical working groups, forums and events, Ibec’s BioPharmaChem Ireland will work tirelessly to create a dynamic, resilient, and future-proof sector that can thrive.

We’re delighted to announce that BioPharmaChem Impact 2026 will take place on May 6, 2026, in Dublin City Centre.

BPCI are immensely grateful to our event sponsors. They include platinum sponsors EY and SSPC; gold sponsors Brightbeam, Camida, Chemco, DHL Supply Chain and Innopharma; and silver sponsors BioPharmaChem Skillnet, BioPharmaChem Ireland Apprenticeships, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Indaver, Micro-Bio, Orion GXP Consulting, PMTC and WuXi Biologics.

Pictured are (l-r): Sinéad Keogh, Director of BPCI and Head of Sectors at Ibec; Maggie Saykali, Director, European Fine Chemicals Group; and Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec.

Pictured are (l-r): journalist and broadcaster Claire Brock; Laura Burke, Director General, EPA; Colm Murphy, Head of Environmental Sustainability (Planet Care Impact), Sanofi; Sharon McManus, Group Head of Sustainability, ESB; and Michael Kilkelly, EHS Senior Executive at BPCI.

Cara Partners 40 Years and Growing

A leaf from Ginkgo Biloba , believed to be the oldest living species of tree. The seeds and leaves of Ginkgo Biloba have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for over 800 years

Cara Partners manufactures a quantified extract of Ginkgo Biloba for the EU and Chinese market Ginkgo Biloba extract products are used to treat a variety of conditions associated with blood circulation disorders

Making an Impact: Celebrating the Achievements of the BioPharmaChem Industry

Eimear Curran, Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland, reports from the inaugural BioPharmaChem Impact Awards, which were established to recognise and reward best practice across the sector.

Over 300 industry leaders gathered at Killashee House Hotel on May 8, 2025, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals who are driving progress in the BioPharmaChem sector.

The inaugural BioPharmaChem Impact Awards, hosted by BioPharmaChem Ireland, are a new addition to the flagship BioPharmaChem Impact Conference, bringing together experts and industry leaders for a day of insightful dialogue, technical exchange, networking and exploration.

Open to all companies and organisations in the ecosystem, this awards programme, was established to recognise, profile and reward best practice in the sector and serve as vital proof points for the new BioPharmaChem Ireland “messaging house”, a strategic framework developed to support consistent and effective communications.

Celebrating the winners

Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Claire Brock, the prestigious awards ceremony showcased excellence in the BioPharmaChem sector. The calibre of submissions in the first year were exceptional, with outstanding quality and innovation on display across all seven categories.

Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine was named Company of the Year. Their facility in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, is a

BIOPHARMACHEM IMPACT AWARDS

state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D site that produces critical medicines for patients across several therapy areas.

Boston Scientific claimed the Collaboration in BioPharmaChem Award for their work with SSPC, of which they have been a member since 2022 and have invested €1.14 million in collaborative research with the centre. A total of 13 research projects have been launched from three Irish sites, covering areas such as drug delivery devices,

computational modelling, molecular identification, and next-generation polymer technologies.

The Best Process Innovation/Digitalisation of the Year Award was awarded to Sanofi Waterford for their digital twin project, which is a virtual replica of a drug product filling line, and has increased production efficiency by 7%, reduced testing costs by 25% and reduced overall energy consumption by 15%.

The Emerging BioPharmaChem Company of the Year Award was presented to Blynksolve, founded in 2022 by Peter Blennerhassett, CEO and Chemical and Bioprocess Engineer, and Bartek Baran, CTO and Electrical and Computer Engineer. The award-winning Irish technology company is dedicated to transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing through cutting-edge digital solutions.

Mirco-Bio won the BioPharmaChem Partner/Supplier of the Year. The company manufactures high-purity chemicals, a vital raw material in the manufacturing process. The award recognises Micro-Bio's excellence in partnership and supply chain contributions.

Professor Damien Thompson, SSPC, presents the Best Talent Strategy of the Year Award to Innopharma Technical Services.

Innopharma Technical Services received the Best Talent Strategy of the Year Award, for their commitment to skills development, which is driving innovation in the industry. Innopharma’s Advanced Programme in Validation is a pioneering talent strategy developed to address the growing skills gap in the pharma, biopharma, and medtech sectors.

Astellas were recognised for their sustainability efforts and picked up the Sustainable BioPharmaChem Company of the Year Award. Some 74% of the company’s energy comes from renewable sources and there has been a 98% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 70% reduction in the generation non-hazardous waste since 2005.

Pictured are (l-r): Alan Dickson, EY, presenting the Best Process Innovation/Digitalisation of the Year Award to Arlinda Curi and Michael Lawlor from Sanofi.

Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Head of Sectors at Ibec, presents the BioPharmaChem Company of the Year Award to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Ringaskiddy.

Cepta Duffy of Enterprise Ireland presents the Emerging BioPharmaChem Company of the Year Award to Peter Blennerhasset from Blynksolve.

Sharon Higgins, Executive Director of Membership & Sectors at Ibec, presents the Collaboration in BioPharmaChem Award to Philip Dorgan of Boston Scientific.

BIOPHARMACHEM IMPACT AWARDS

Outstanding contribution to BioPharmaChem

Brendan O’Callaghan, EVP of Manufacturing and Supply at Sanofi, received the award for Outstanding Contribution to BioPharmaChem in 2025. This award is not only given to a leader who has guided their business with distinction but to someone who has used their position to advance the sector in Ireland, have a positive impact on society, and contribute to the development of talent.

The judging panel was comprised of six highly respected leaders from across pharma, medtech, academia and technology: Seamus Fives, Gerry Kilcommins, Anita Maguire, Lorna Martyn, Patricia Quane, and Padraig Sommers. Their thoughtful scrutiny and dedicated evaluation were crucial in recognising sector excellence.

Companies were scored based on metrics like strategic vision, innovation, impact, growth, and overall excellence. Scores were compiled, and winners chosen through a combination of top scores and open judging panel discussions.

Perpetual trophy for Company of the Year

Marking the beginning of a long-lasting tradition, a specially commissioned bronze sculpture was created as a symbol of excellence and achievement. It will be proudly displayed at our Company of the Year for 2025 and subsequently be passed on to every future winner.

BPCI are immensely grateful to our sponsors. These include platinum sponsors EY and SSPC; gold sponsors Brightbeam, Camida, Chemco, DHL Supply Chain and Innopharma; and silver sponsors BioPharmaChem Skillnet, BioPharmaChem Ireland Apprenticeships, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Indaver, Micro-Bio, Orion GXP Consulting, PMTC and WuXi Biologics.

This year’s success sets a powerful foundation for what’s to come and we look forward to an inspiring celebration of industry leadership next year.

Rory Mullen of IDA Ireland presents the BioPharmaChem Partner/ Supplier of the Year Award to Peter McNamara from Micro-Bio.

A specially commissioned bronze sculpture was created as a symbol of excellence and achievement for the Company of the Year winners, which will be passed on to future winners in the coming years.

Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland, presents the Sustainable BioPharmaChem Company of the Year Award to Louis Collins from Astellas.

Towards Sustainability: A Roadmap to Responsible Care

Michael Kilkelly, Senior Executive EHS, BioPharmaChem Ireland, advises on a sustainable strategy for Ireland’s Biopharma industry.

The goals of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024 and the EU’s Chemical Strategy for Sustainability are key drivers of sustainability and environmental policy in Ireland. They share an ambition to protect public and environmental health and they both align on strategies to do so: setting 2050 as the target year for net zero climate neutrality and supporting innovation in the production and use of safe, sustainable chemicals.

In March 2025, BioPharmaChem Ireland launched its Responsible Care Report and Sustainability Strategy for the BioPharmaChem sector. This work was directed by a newly established BPCI Sustainability Steering Committee, under the guidance of its Board. The strategy has four strategic pillars covering; energy and infrastructure, Scope 3 emissions reduction, data and standards, and culture and communication, and was developed to support the sector on its decarbonisation journey. BPCI hosted a number of member and stakeholder workshops, as well as capturing data from three member surveys, all of which informed the strategy.

Energy and infrastructure

In 2025, 56 BioPharmaChem sites reported through our Responsible Care survey that they consumed 540 GwH of electricity, with the total industry usage accounting for almost 10% of Large Energy Usage in Ireland. 13% of that demand last year (70GwH) came from renewables generated on-site, such as solar and wind turbines. Of the remainder,

470 GwH were sourced from the grid, a further 390GwH came from a renewable source. A total of 45 of the sites surveyed have invested over €160 million in renewable energy in the last five years.

In addition to generating and sourcing renewable energy as a Scope 2 GHG reduction strategy, energy reduction programmes have reduced overall energy consumption by 4.5%, despite employment growth of 8.7% and in increase in production of 5.8%.

Future plans for expanding the investment of on-site renewable generation in the next three years will generate more than 100 GwH. A particular trend is investment in heat pump technology, which is part of an overall decarbonisation strategy of electrifying heat. A third of sites surveyed plan to invest in this technology within three years.

Scope 3 and decarbonisation

In terms of net zero targets, the biggest challenge for the BioPharmaChem industry is decarbonisation in the supply chain. Typically, Scope 3 emissions account for about 80% of GHG emissions for the sector.

Bundled under the category of Purchased Goods and Services, the largest share of Scope 3 emissions (60%) comes from the procurement of ingredients, chemicals, solvents and packaging. Chemical processes are a major part of this category, as the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) and intermediates involve energyintensive chemical synthesis and raw material extraction.

Not surprisingly, 56% of respondents are looking at developing green chemistry, and 78% are considering waste recovery projects, with a further 76% working on sustainable packaging. Even though waste packaging only accounts for 7% of the total Scope 3 emissions, in terms of micro-plastic reduction, it is considered an important area to tackle. These three areas will be a focus for the BPCI Scope 3 task force over the next 18 months, as they not only present great opportunities to reduce emissions as a sector but may also present business opportunities.

A key to success in reducing Scope 3 emissions is collaboration with suppliers, but over 85% of companies reported that less than 50% of their suppliers are actively reporting emissions data. Companies cite lack of data from third parties; suppliers report lack of standardised reporting requirements from multiple customers; SME’s report limited internal resources and knowledge within their organisations; all parties point to the high cost of compliance.

It is timely that the new omnibus on mandatory CSRD reporting has significantly simplified the path to sustainability compliance and in particular gives relief to SME’s, while maintaining the spirit of the directive.

However, it is important that companies prioritise action over reporting. Getting started on real decarbonising projects is essential, even if reporting lags and initially lacks accurate data. Where a company’s supply chain can have hundreds of suppliers, it is important to focus first on a few highimpact and/or high-risk suppliers.

In terms of skillset, the traditional reliance on in-house engineering or EHS departments for driving sustainability projects is no longer sufficient. Tackling Scope 3 emissions reduction needs multi-disciplinary teams that

include inputs from procurement, supply chain, legal, regulatory, customer relationship managers and, of course, EHS and engineering.

Data and standards

A key part of any decarbonisation activity is measurement. How do we set an accurate baseline and how do we track meaningful progress? Surveys of our members reveal 16 different voluntary sustainability and environmental standards used across the sector.

Voluntary Standards:

Voluntary standards give a framework for embedding sustainable and ethical activity into core business but require the

application of resources to gather data, plan and report progress. Often there is overlap between different standards, leading to time-consuming and expensive duplication. 60% of member companies have ISO 50001, with a further 23% planning to gain this accreditation in the next three years. Standards such as Eco Vadis , CDP and SBTi are widely employed across the industry. BPCI has been supporting the Responsible Care programme for the past 20 years, which is an established world-wide programme for environmental stewardship.

My Green Lab:

Last December BPCI started promoting the adoption of My Green Lab Certification both in industry and third level institutions through workshops and peer-to-peer learning. This standard sets clear and ambitious sustainability targets for laboratories and is already employed by 40% of our members.

Water Stewardship:

Recently, BPCI has begun workshops on the Water Stewardship Certification, which is a globally recognised standard which aims to drive water stewardship practices at site level and along supply chains. The sector uses large amounts of water in processing and cleaning and secure access to water is crucial. Water needs to be treated not only as key for any sustainability strategy but should be viewed as a strategic national resource.

Launching BioPharmaChem Ireland’s Sustainability Strategy and Responsible Care Report 2025 are (l-r): Joyce Fitzharris, President, Small Molecule, Europe, SK Pharmteco, and Chair of BioPharmaChem Ireland; Sinead Keogh, Director BioPharmaChem Ireland; and Michael Kilkelly, Senior Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

Thermo Fisher’s Scientific Wind Turbine has generated over 75,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity.

Mandatory standards:

Standards like the CSRD codify reporting requirements and attempt to standardise reporting but were considered overly complex and extremely expensive to implement. The recent CSRD omnibus proposal significantly narrows the scope of the CSRD to companies with 1,000 employees (previously 250) and either €50 million in turnover or €25 million in assets. Fewer data points required will significantly reduce the administration and cost burden for companies in scope. For companies now out of scope, like SME’s, they may still face requests for reports from larger companies. SME’s are protected from excess sustainability

information requests from larger companies under the Value Chain Cap, which directs companies to request only from SME’s aligned with the VSME simplified voluntary standard. However, some companies who are no longer in scope or have a deferred timeline are still committed to the CSRD reporting protocol.

Culture and communication

Visible, capital-intensive projects like solar farms and wind turbines are great signifiers of progress in decarbonisation. However, the majority of carbon emissions in the sector are often ‘invisible’ to many employees.

Data driven sustainability activities now need to be embedded more broadly

BioPharmaChem Ireland Sustainability Strategy and Responsible Care Report 2025

across organisations and across the product life cycles and the business value chain. Considerations of sustainability need to be embedded in procurement decisions, in supply chain evaluations, in regulatory reviews, in financial appraisals; from the boardroom to the factory floor and from product conception to end of product life. This requires concerted campaigns of education and support; and it needs to extend beyond companies to share learnings and best practices with all stakeholders: employees, shareholders, peer companies, local communities, education institutes, regulators and Government.

Recommendations to Government

More than 20% of sites operate above 90% of their Maximum Import Capacity. In essence, this means they are restricted in electrifying heat. A further challenge will be continued access to renewably sourced electricity from the grid as demand increases. BPCI, through Ibec’s Energy Policy Group, are calling on the Government to accelerate the roll-out of renewable generation and to prioritise modernisation of the grid. There also needs to be more financial incentives to adopt newer, greener technologies which might have a longer return-on-investment term.

BioPharmaChem Ireland’s Sustainability Strategy and Responsible Care Report 2025 was developed to support the sector on its decarbonisation journey.

It is important that companies, in particular SME’s, are supported financially by the Government in tackling their decarbonisation strategies. Industry-wide reporting standards need to be harmonised to achieve zero carbon goals.

Attendees at a Water Stewardship workshop, including: Elias Condy, AbbVie; Jane Heffernan, Recordati; Adam Lambe, Janssen Sciences (J&J Ringaskiddy); Sarah Walsh, Janssen Sciences (J&J Ringaskiddy); James O’Regan, Gilead; Padraig McGann, MSD; John Kelly, SK biotek; Michael Finn, Hovione; Elaine McSweeny, Guerbet; Ann Holland, Thermofisher; Paul Conheady, 20Fifty;Colm Gaskin, 20Fifty; and Shikar Makardoji, Haleon.

Currently it is a time of many challenges for procurement professionals. Reliably sourcing and securing supply of vital chemicals. It seems there’s ever greater pressure, fewer certainties, more hurdles.

But some of the world’s best-known companies have a hidden advantage. They don’t spend too much time problem solving If they need something, it’s sourced and supplied. Quietly and efficiently. They don’t need the headaches of multiple vendors and different standards, it’s streamlined. Compliance, paperwork, it’s taken care of. They have an advantage.

They have Camida.

Continental drift? Why EU Legislation Could Hamper Innovation

Lisa Goodman, Senior Public Affairs Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland, explains the need for ambitious EU policies to promote innovation and competitiveness in the BioPharmaChem sector.

Europe’s Biopharmaceutical and Chemical sector is a vital part of the EU economy, driving healthcare innovation, economic growth and employment. The EU’s pharmaceutical industry alone supports over 2.3 million jobs directly and indirectly and contributes €311 billion in gross value added to the EU economy. To safeguard this strategic sector amid rising global competition, the EU must prioritise policies that strengthen sector competitiveness and drive innovation.

Current challenges facing the EU BioPharmaChem sector

Despite its strengths, the EU’s BioPharmaChem sector faces significant challenges that threaten its global standing. Overly complex regulations are eroding the sector’s competitiveness.

Upcoming legislative policies, including the ongoing revision of the EU’s General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) and the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), could inadvertently harm innovation and patient access if industry concerns are overlooked. For instance, shorter Regulatory Data Protection periods under the GPL may discourage investment and innovation in Europe, while ambiguities in the CMA’s scope risk introducing new procurement barriers that could hamper industry growth.

BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI) shares the EU’s concern regarding the environmental impact associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, PFAS restrictions under the EU REACH revision could significantly impact pharmaceutical manufacturing. The sector depends on PFAS for the safe manufacturing and delivery of medicines, and viable alternatives are not yet widely established. The sector supports substitutions but requires derogations until suitable alternative solutions are approved.

The sector also supports the goals of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

(UWWTD) but remains concerned about potential negative effects on patient access to medicine and competitiveness. The Directive appears misaligned with key EU principles, such as proportionality, non-discrimination and the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations has initiated legal proceedings in the General Court of the European Union to challenge the Directive’s extended producer responsibility. As the sector awaits further clarity, BPCI is actively engaging in the national governments’ cross-departmental UWWTD implementation group to ensure implementation is both practical and efficient.

These examples underscore the urgent need for a co-ordinated and holistic EU policymaking approach that genuinely reflects industry concerns and fosters competitiveness.

The imperative for a cohesive and ambitious EU Life Sciences Strategy

To address these challenges, BioPharmaChem Ireland is advocating for a whole-ecosystem EU Life Sciences Strategy that fosters innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Such a strategy must streamline regulatory frameworks and align policies across the EU to create a stable, predictable environment conducive to long-term investment.

Lisa Goodman, Senior Public Affairs Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

A key recommendation for the Strategy is the establishment of a dedicated EU Office for Life Sciences within the European Commission. This body would centralise efforts and improve policy co-ordination. By regularly engaging with industry and other stakeholders, the Office could shape policies in response to emerging challenges and foster a cohesive innovation ecosystem.

Beyond the EU Life Sciences Strategy

The EU Life Sciences Strategy should align with other relevant EU policies, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation and Critical Medicines Act. It is equally important that the Strategy shapes the development of future initiatives, such as the EU Biotech Act and the Bioeconomy Strategy, to ensure these frameworks effectively address barriers to competitiveness and innovation, while maintaining coherence with existing policies.

For instance, the EU Biotech Act, which aims to streamline the regulatory landscape as part of a broader effort to enhance sector competitiveness, is set to be proposed by the EU Commission in early 2026. An Office of Life Sciences, under the EU Life Sciences Strategy, could play a crucial role in ensuring the EU Biotech Act’s successful implementation by identifying gaps within existing policies and ensuring that the Act complements rather than conflicts with other legislative frameworks.

Moreover, the Office could serve as a central collaborative platform to bring together Member States and industry voices, ensuring that the development and roll-out of the Biotech Act effectively address the diverse needs and concerns of all stakeholders involved.

Seizing

the opportunity ahead: the Irish Presidency of the Council of

the EU

As Ireland prepares to assume Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, it must champion a co-ordinated policymaking approach. By facilitating dialogue between industry and policymakers, Ireland can promote a clearer understanding of policies’ impact on industrial resilience and global competitiveness at an EU level, whilst also protecting patient access to medicines. This approach would not only advance shared European goals but also strengthen Ireland’s own reputation as a leader in innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

BPCI is actively engaging with Irish stakeholders across EU institutions to communicate sector concerns. Through ongoing collaboration, BPCI is confident that continued partnership on major policy issues will enable Ireland to champion ambitious, co-ordinated EU policies that drive innovation, simplify regulation and address industry challenges holistically.

The world is evolving, and by championing policy that strengthens European BioPharmaChem competitiveness, the EU can continue to hold its position as a leader in industrial Life Sciences.

The EU can continue to hold its position as a leader in industrial Life Sciences by championing policy that strengthens European BioPharmaChem competitiveness and innovation.

Pictured are (l-r): Lisa Goodman, Senior Public Affairds Executive, BPCI; Sinéad Keogh, Head of Sectors and Director of BPCI; Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection and former Finance Minister; and Michael Kilkelly, Senior Executive EHS, BPCI.

AStrategyforSuccess

BioPharmaChem Ireland have launched a bold new BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025, aimed at ensuring the continued growth of this important and valuable part of the Irish Biopharma industry. Sinéad Keogh, Director, BPCI, explains.

Ireland’s Biopharma sector is a global leader, with over 100 companies employing 50,000 people and exporting €116 billion annually. Over the past 50 years, the industry has continually evolved, adopting advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and innovative processes.

While manufacturing remains vital, Ireland’s reputation now extends into its thriving business services sector. The country supports a wide range of functions, including IT, finance, and compliance, underpinning industries from technology to finance. Over 9,500 professionals work within Ireland’s BioPharma Business Services (BBS) sector, which has grown rapidly from managing corporate finance and HR to leading activities such as clinical trials, regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance, and supply chain logistics. This segment is expected to expand at a 10% compound annual growth rate by 2027, underlining its strategic importance.

The sector is experiencing rapid change. Companies are prioritising resilience and risk management and strengthening supply chains against global disruptions. They are also adopting a customer-centric approach, using data and digital tools to better serve patients and healthcare providers. Technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, are transforming operations, making processes faster, more flexible, and more cost-efficient.

AI is a game-changer

While routine or transactional tasks have often been moved to lowercost locations, AI is changing this narrative, as it can significantly boost productivity and generate greater value. Embracing new technologies

BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025

The transformation engine of the enterprise strategy

BioPharmaChem Ireland’s BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025 is based on four interconnected pillars, aimed at ensuring sustainable growth.

biopharmachemireland.ie

BIOPHARMA BUSINESS SERVICES STRATEGY

can enhance a range of services, including drug discovery, improve the effectiveness of clinical trials, expand pharmacovigilance, strengthen supply chains, as well as supporting simultaneous global commercialisation.

As BBS functions mature, they are shifting from primarily costcutting roles to becoming engines of innovation, supporting personalised therapies and pioneering healthcare solutions. Investing in AI now will help Ireland remain competitive in the long term.

In response to these trends, BioPharmaChem Ireland have launched our BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025. It is based on four interconnected pillars, aimed at ensuring sustainable growth. The strategy also seeks to raise awareness among our manufacturing companies about the opportunity to expand into global services. Additionally, it aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across the industry.

Four key pillars

The first pillar focuses on enhancing the value chain. Ireland is wellpositioned to become a key orchestrator within the global Biopharma supply chain. By integrating AI-driven processes and expanding regional collaboration, the country can move up the value chain across development, manufacturing, and commercial services. This strategic shift will attract higher-value investments, promote innovation, and strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a reliable, world-class hub, capable of responding swiftly to market shifts and regulatory changes. The country’s deep-rooted expertise in managing complex processes and its regulatory track record underpin this aspiration.

The second pillar emphasises talent and knowledge development. Establishing centres of excellence in digital skills, and regulatory expertise will be vital. Strengthening partnerships between academia, industry, and Government will ensure a continuous pipeline of highly skilled professionals to meet evolving industry demands. Upskilling programmes and streamlined visa processes will help attract the international talent needed to sustain long-term growth, particularly in global services.

The third pillar involves strategic investments in infrastructure. Expanding high-speed broadband and secure data networks will support fully virtualised, agile service delivery worldwide. Creating an AI regulatory sandbox, in partnership with regulators, will enable rapid innovation within a compliant framework. Developing world-class research hubs equipped with next-generation data hubs and analytics will accelerate breakthroughs in personalised medicine and digital therapeutics.

The final pillar focuses on ecosystem orchestration and advocacy. Ireland aims to strengthen its global profile through strategic marketing, policy alignment, and international collaborations. Understanding the importance of network strategies is vital. Globally, companies are shifting from traditional shared services to strategic hubs that leverage local strengths in talent, regulation, and infrastructure. Ireland, with its mature Biopharma ecosystem and skilled workforce, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Developing a network of specialised, integrated ‘control towers’ will optimise operations and increase resilience, especially as companies consider regionalisation to mitigate geopolitical risks.

Pictured at the launch of BioPharmaChem Ireland’s BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025 are Aoife Allen, Vice President of Finance and Global Business Services and Site Lead for Pfizer’s Dublin Strategic Hub, Chair, BPCI’s BBS Steering Committee; Sinead Keogh, Director, BPCI; and Joyce Fitzharris, Chair, BPCI and President of SK pharmteco.

BIOPHARMA BUSINESS SERVICES STRATEGY

Technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, are transforming operations, making processes faster, more flexible, and more cost-efficient.

Building on our strengths

Ireland’s strengths are clear. Its high standards and digital regulation, aligned with EU policies like GDPR and the upcoming AI Act, foster trust and ethical innovation. A multilingual workforce supports ongoing expansion, complemented by vibrant tech, finance and professional services sectors, which are supporting the development of a rich pool of talent across finance, IT, HR, IP management, and other enabling services, alongside its well-established Biopharma expertise.

To sustain and grow the pharma specific business services in tandem with traditional GBS, it is essential to identify the skills and competencies needed from employees. It is important to highlight our talent pool and elevate the sector’s profile in the labour market to continue evolving and attracting services. Industry needs to further collaborate with the Government, agencies and third level institutions to ensure a robust talent pipeline, identify future gaps and determine alternative sources of supply.

BioPharma Business Steering Committee

To fully capitalise on these opportunities, we recommend the Irish Government formally integrate BioPharma Business Services into the upcoming National Life Sciences Strategy. Recognising its strategic importance alongside manufacturing will ensure ongoing support, investment, and growth.

To support this vision, we have established a dedicated BioPharma Business Steering Committee. This group will oversee the implementation of the strategy, ensuring its ongoing evolution and success. Their role is crucial in promoting the growth of this vital sector, helping Ireland diversify its Biopharma industry, and positioning the country as a strategic hub for Biopharma services for years to come.

You can download BPCI’s BBS strategy and company case studies from Novartis Corporate Centre Dublin, Eli Lilly’s Global Business Solutions Centre in Cork and Pfizer’s Strategic Hub in Dublin at www.ibec.ie

What is Global Business Services (GBS)?

GBS is traditionally understood as an integrated, centralised organisational model that consolidates and standardises business enabling functions, such as finance, human resources, procurement, IT and customer service across multiple locations, functions and regions into one streamlined, high-value operating system.

What is BioPharma Business Services (BBS)?

BioPharma Business Services typically manages standardised and specialised tasks that are Biopharma specific, across a range of functions such as regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance, clinical trial management, and supply chain management.

AI can significantly boost productivity and generate greater value across Global Business Services.

INNOVATIVE PLASMA THERAPIES

A pioneer in the plasma industry, Grifols manufactures lifesaving plasma-derived medicines to treat chronic and rare conditions, as well as infectious diseases. Learn more about

at www.grifols.com

Securing Ireland’s Biopharma Future:

Building a Skilled Workforce for Sustainable Growth

The future of Ireland’s Biopharma sector depends on its ability to cultivate a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce, which requires a shared commitment from all stakeholders, including Government, industry and academia, writes Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

The ‘Skills for Biopharma’ report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, published in April 2024, provided a clear roadmap by setting out explicit recommendations aimed at improving the skills landscape for the Biopharma sector in Ireland.

Significant progress has been made in the year since the report’s launch, with many innovative programmes launched, and a range of targeted actions taken by actors in both public and private sectors.

As the implementation group concludes its work at the end of 2025, the responsibility will shift to all relevant stakeholders to sustain and build upon this momentum. Continued collaboration will be essential to ensure that Ireland not only reaches its ambitious growth objectives but also secures a prosperous and inclusive future for generations to come.

Ireland’s reputation as a hub for Life Sciences has been hard-earned through decades of strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration. Today, however, the country’s ability to attract, retain, and expand global investment in this sector hinges more than ever on one critical factor: the availability of highly skilled talent.

The talent imperative

The biopharmaceutical sector in Ireland has seen remarkable growth, with employment increasing by 61% since 2016, adding nearly 19,000 jobs. This momentum is expected to continue, with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) forecasting over 21,000 new roles by 2027. However, this growth brings with it a pressing challenge: a significant talent shortfall.

The EGFSN’s 2024 ‘Skills for Biopharma’ report highlights a projected annual recruitment need of 5,600 professionals, yet current graduate inflow falls short by approximately 3,000 individuals each year. This gap underscores the urgent need for a co-ordinated response from Government, academia, and industry to align education and training systems with evolving sectoral demands.

A call for strategic investment

Despite clear signals from industry and comprehensive analyses from stakeholders - including the OECD Ireland Skills Strategy and the EGFSN report - recent budgetary decisions suggest a worrying trend: a decline in strategic investment in industry-led, learner-focused higher education funding. This disconnect raises urgent questions about Ireland’s readiness to meet future workforce demands. Without sustained investment in flexible, modern education models, Ireland risks falling behind in the global race for talent. To safeguard its position as a global Life Sciences leader, Ireland must prioritise funding for skills development, particularly in areas that support regional growth and industry alignment. This includes continued support for tertiary degrees, apprenticeships, and infrastructure projects that expand training capacity.

Addressing the skills gap: a multipronged strategy

To bridge this gap, Ireland must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes:

• Unleashing the full potential of the National Training Fund.

• Expanding access to education through alternative pathways, such as apprenticeships and tertiary degrees.

• Driving innovation and quality in higher education.

• Strengthening collaboration between industry and academia to ensure curricula remain relevant and future focused. Investing in infrastructure to support regional training capacity and innovation.

• Promoting lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities to keep pace with technological advancements.

The Role of the Expert Group in Future Skills Needs Implementation Group

To ensure the effective execution of the EGFSN Skills in Biopharma 2024 report’s recommendations, the Biopharma Implementation Group was established, led by Don O’Connor and Rhodri Lloyd, from the Labour Market and Skills Unit in DETE, and chaired by Patricia Quane, formerly of Astellas Pharma. This group brings together key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to drive progress on new and existing initiatives.

Over the past 15 months, the group has been instrumental in supporting the development of new training programmes, promoting upskilling opportunities, and aligning educational offerings with the sector’s evolving needs. Their work is a testament to the power of co-ordinated, cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex workforce challenges.

Apprenticeships and alternative pathways

One of the most promising strategies for expanding the talent pool is the development of accessible, hands-on learning opportunities. Apprenticeships offer practical experience and open doors to a broader, more diverse range of learners.

The Laboratory Apprenticeship was developed in 2018 through a collaboration between BPCI, industry and TU Dublin, to address emerging skills gaps in quality

Pictured are (l-r): Patricia Quane, Implementation Group Chair; John Milne, Director of Bioprocessing Training Alliances and Innovation, NIBRT; Susan Costello, Network Manager, BioPharmaChem Skillnet; Melissa Hoare, Senior Training Manager, NIBRT; Rhodri Lloyd, DETE; Dr Anne Ribault-O’Reilly, Assistant Principal at Department of Further and Higher Education; Don O’Connor, DETE; Orla Callan, Managing Director, Innopharma Education; Finnian Hanrahan, Scientific Programme Manager at Research Ireland; Noreen Fitzpatrick, Manager - Enterprise, Employee & Skills, SOLAS; Justin Purcell, Development Advisor, Skillnet Ireland; and Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

SKILLS & TALENT

functions across the Life Sciences sector. Now in its sixth year, the programme supports over 56 Life Sciences companies in their talent recruitment efforts, with 127 apprentices currently enrolled across TU Dublin, SETU Waterford, and MTU Cork. The programme is set to expand further with its launch at TUS in September 2025, reflecting its growing impact and national reach.

Building on this success, the sector is currently developing a new Bio Process / Chemical Process Technician Apprenticeship, following recent approval from the National Apprenticeship Office. These programmes are essential for building a resilient, future-ready workforce.

In line with this vision, a new tertiary three-year Level 7 degree in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is being developed by the National Tertiary Office, Cork College of FET, and Munster Technological University (MTU). This innovative programme, set to launch in September 2025, blends classroom learning with real-world work experience. It represents a significant step forward in diversifying access to higher education and aligning learning outcomes with industry needs.

The launch of the iBio programme at the University of Limerick marks a shift in higher education delivery [www.ul.ie/courses/ bachelormasters-of-science-in-immersive-bioscience-biotherapeutics]. Developed in partnership with industry, iBio integrates academic learning with two full years of structured work experience, offering students a deeply immersive and practical education.

Infrastructure investment: strengthening regional capacity Infrastructure plays a pivotal role in supporting talent development. A notable example is the Government’s investment in Cork College of FET’s Bishopstown campus, where the Cork Biopharma Training Centre is being relocated, expanded, and modernised. This enhanced facility will significantly increase the region’s capacity to deliver cutting-edge training and education, supporting both new talent recruitment and the upskilling of existing employees.

Looking ahead: a shared responsibility

The future of Ireland’s Biopharma sector depends on its ability to cultivate a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce. This is not a challenge that any one stakeholder can solve alone. It requires a shared commitment from Government, industry, and academia to invest in people, innovate in education, and collaborate across sectors.

“ Ireland’s ability to attract, retain, and expand global investment in the Life Sciences sector hinges more than ever on one critical factor: the availability of highly skilled talent.”

The future of Ireland’s Biopharma sector depends on its ability to cultivate a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce.

One of the most promising strategies for expanding the talent pool is the development of accessible, hands-on learning opportunities.

We are a global pharmaceutical group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, with over 4,450 employees. We are a group of like-minded, passionate individuals who go to extraordinary lengths for our partners, customers, investors, and the people across the globe we serve.

We develop and commercialise medicines to serve people living with common diseases, as well as those living with some of the rarest.

Our site in Ringaskiddy, Cork is dedicated to the manufacturing of Lercanidipine HCl with dedicated Production and Quality units ensuring compliance with the highest specifications.

Workplace Wellbeing: A Strategic Priority for Ireland’s Pharma Sector

Ensuring a healthy workplace goes far beyond perks or wellness days and is about creating a culture and environment where people can thrive safely, sustainably and successfully, writes Patrick Haslett, Commercial Product Manager, Ibec.

In Ireland’s pharmaceutical and chemical industries, where precision, innovation and compliance are essential, one factor is increasingly recognised as critical to long-term success: workplace wellbeing.

At its core, workplace wellbeing represents the subjective, day-to-day experience of an organisation’s employees - essentially how people feel about their work and when they are at their work. Key drivers of positive workplace wellbeing range from mental and physical health supports to organisational culture, inclusion and career development.

For pharma companies, where employees often work in highpressure, high-responsibility roles, ensuring a healthy workplace goes far beyond perks or wellness days. This depends on creating a culture and environment where people can thrive safely, sustainably and successfully.

Why workplace wellbeing matters

Pursuing positive workplace wellbeing has become a strategic imperative.

Aside from being the right thing to do, organisations that commit to the wellbeing of their employees will unlock significant and evidenced business value:

• Productivity: happier employees work more effectively;

• Talent acquisition & retention: a healthy culture attracts and keeps great people;

• Performance: employee-focused companies consistently outperform their peers;

• Compliance: Irish law requires action on psychosocial risks for employees;

• ESG reporting: workplace wellbeing is now a key social sustainability metric.

The KeepWell Mark™: Ireland’s national wellbeing standard

Since 2018, Ibec’s KeepWell Mark has served as the foremost workplace wellbeing accreditation for Irish organisations. Built around eight core pillars, this provides a structured, evidence-based framework that helps member companies assess, act and improve the quality of their employees’ experience of work:

• Leadership: embedding wellbeing into organisational culture;

• Mental health: supporting psychological safety and resilience;

• Inclusion and belonging: fostering a respectful, diverse workplace;

• Talent support and development: enabling growth and recognition;

• Occupational safety and health (OSH): ensuring safe, compliant environments;

• Nutrition and physical activity: promoting healthy lifestyle choices; Attendance management: supporting staff through illness and recovery;

• Intoxicants: managing risks, maintaining fair and transparent policies.

The process is comprehensive. Companies submit evidence, host on-site assessments and take part in interviews and focus groups. It is a meaningful way to benchmark progress, identify strategic gaps and celebrate success.

Pharma sector leaders setting the standard

Several of Ireland’s leading pharma companies have embraced KeepWell Mark accreditation and have made significant improvements to their employee experience.

In keeping with recognition for Sanofi Waterford and Bristol Myers Squibb in 2024’s ‘Leading in Wellbeing Awards’, Alexion were celebrated in 2025 for their outstanding approach to guiding their staff around nutrition and physical health. The company provides diverse and healthy food options, as well as an on-site gym, where a personal trainer supports employees of all fitness levels. These actions are part of a wider commitment to ensuring the good physical, mental and social health of their people.

Insights from the pharma sector

Through our work with companies across the sector, we have identified several recurring challenges and considerations:

Mental health: there is growing demand for robust mental health policies and psychosocial risk assessments;

• Intoxicants: clear policies are essential, particularly during onboarding and in maintaining smoke-free environments;

• Leadership: feedback highlights a need for more visible leadership involvement around workplace wellbeing and necessary actions and employee supports.

The addition of two new pillars in 2024 (‘Inclusion and Belonging’ and ‘Talent Support and Development’) reflects the evolving needs of today’s workforce. These areas are especially relevant in pharma, where diversity, equity and career development are key to attracting and retaining top talent.

Consulting support for a tailored approach

To help Irish businesses improve the quality of their people’s day-to-day experience, Ibec also offers a dedicated ‘Workplace Wellbeing Consulting’ service.

pharma companies, where employees often work in high-pressure, highresponsibility roles, ensuring a healthy workplace goes far beyond wellness days.

This includes dedicated guidance for organisations looking to set their workplace wellbeing strategy (pursued through a bespoke, one-and-a-half-day strategic workshop, tailored to company needs). Whether for organisations starting out or looking to enhance a mature workplace wellbeing approach, our expert consultants will bring structure, insight and practical support.

We also offer a fully flexible ‘customised’ consultancy service for companies with specific organisational challenges or goals. From policy development to leadership engagement, our team works with businesses to turn good intentions into clear, achievable actions and employee-focused impact.

A community of practice

Achieving good workplace wellbeing does not happen in isolation. That’s why Ibec also supports its community of customers with regular forums, newsletters and events that share and highlight good practice. Ibec’s annual ‘National Workplace Wellbeing Day’ and ‘Leading in Wellbeing’ Awards also celebrate those organisations striving consistently to build the best environments for their people.

Want to learn more?

If you want to know more about how Ibec can help you create a better experience for your employees, please get in touch with us at info@thekeepwellmark.ie

Several of Ireland’s leading pharma companies have embraced KeepWell Mark accreditation and have made significant improvements to their employee experience.

For

The Alexion team celebrating their ‘Best in Class Nutrition & Physical Health’ award with Ibec’s KeepWell Account Manager Sarah McSharry (l-r): Hugh Smith, Alexion; Paul Stewart, PureClass Fitness; Eddie Garry, Alexion; King Ip Yau, Alexion; Ciara McNeice, Alexion; Sarah McSharry, Ibec; Laura Fagan, Alexion; Burcu Gunes, Alexion; and Niamh Hogan, Alexion.

NIBRT: Supporting Innovation in Life Sciences

Ensuring that Ireland’s Biopharmaceutical industry has access to best-in-class talent is the key focus for the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), writes Melissa Hoare , NIBRT’s Education Partnerships Senior Manager.

The Biopharmaceutical sector continues to perform strongly, both nationally and internationally, due to impactful and innovative discovery research, the approval of novel therapeutics and an increasing demand for access to life-changing therapies.

Over the past decade, the Irish Biopharmaceutical sector has seen significant capital investment in new facilities and indeed Ireland is now the third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally, with over 85 pharma companies located in the country. In addition to this, the continued expansion of the Biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland has enabled growth in related activities such as global business services, clinical trial management, contract manufacturing and supply chain management, while the industry also supports a vigorous indigenous sub-supply network, many of whom have developed as international market leaders in their own right.

As the Biopharmaceutical industry moves to embrace manufacturing

process innovations, deployment of new digitalisation strategies and artificial intelligence tools within manufacturing, the need for an agile, adaptable and highly skilled workforce will be ever more important. For Ireland to maintain a preeminent position in the global supply of medicines, and to attract further investment in new and expanded manufacturing facilities into the future, innovative training solutions will be required to address a rapidly evolving industry.

The need for the provision of adequate education and skills training in the Irish workforce has been specifically identified as an important factor in winning investment into Ireland, and the education and training programmes offered by the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) have been designed to meet the exacting needs of the Biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland, both to those companies that are long established and continuously expanding, and those recently established.

Best-in-Class Talent

At NIBRT, ensuring the Biopharmaceutical industry has access to best-in-class talent remains our central focus. Our purposebuilt facilities and recent innovations therein provide for an unparalleled training experience, with realistic and competencyfocused learning opportunities.

Our expansive portfolio of course offerings and delivery options can successfully bridge the gap between traditional academic training and realworld application, preparing our trainees for an industry where they can make a real difference and develop their own careers.

The ever-expanding Biopharmaceutical sector increasingly requires employees with advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies to manage the exacting requirements of highly regulated, internationally competitive, and fast-paced industries. NIBRT is in an ideal position with its wide range of education and training programmes to ensure that people in

Ireland are given an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning and aims to provide an increase of people with the relevant skills to the labour market in the area of Biopharmaceutical science.

There are immense opportunities for graduates with the requisite knowledge and skills required to become part of the Biopharma workforce and graduates with relevant skillsets can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry.

To remain competitive, Ireland needs to maintain a sharp focus on its core value of providing an educated workforce with a suitable skillset to work in these advanced manufacturing environments. This will help ensure Irish operations continue to be a location of choice for any future investments considered by these companies. The role of NIBRT in the education sector is key to ensuring the delivery of the skilled workforce required to support these investments.

training and education programmes provide a comprehensive understanding of the key scientific and engineering challenges involved in the manufacture of biotechnologybased products.

requirements of individuals.

Broad range of Biopharmaceutical training options

NIBRT offers a broad range of Biopharmaceutical training options to suit the various learning requirements of individuals. In partnership with Irish universities, we offer accredited programmes at Certificate, Degree, and Master’s levels, with funding available for some through Springboard+ and other initiatives. These programmes cover key areas such as Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, commissioning, validation, data and digital technologies, and advanced therapeutics, helping individuals enhance their skills in these critical fields.

We also offer a range of on-demand E-lessons through the NIBRT Online Academy (NOA). These pre-recorded modules allow learners to participate at their own pace and convenience, and are ideal for those looking to get an introduction to Biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

“NIBRT Global Qualifications (NGQs) mark a significant step forward in standardising Biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce development. These NIBRT developed micro-credential style course offerings, accredited in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), are internationally recognised and combine expert-led didactic training with focused hands-on training in the NIBRT production training facility.”

NIBRT’s

NIBRT offers a broad range of Biopharmaceutical training options to suit the various learning

NIBRT

For those looking for hands-on training, NIBRT’s customised training and short courses provide access to cutting-edge technology and equipment in our state-of-the-art training facility and are designed to address real challenges in the Biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. These intensive programmes are delivered by experienced professionals and subject matter experts, who bring real-world knowledge and expertise to training delivery and allow for hands-on practical training in a realistic simulated training environment.

NIBRT Global Qualifications

An exciting new initiative is the NIBRT Global Qualifications (NGQs) which mark a significant step forward in standardising Biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce development. These NIBRT

NIBRT’s purpose-built facilities and recent innovations povide for an unparalleled training experience with realistic and competency-focused learning opportunities.

developed micro-credential style course offerings, accredited in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), are internationally recognised and combine expert-led didactic training, coupled with focused hands-on training in the NIBRT production training facility.

These courses have been designed to facilitate professional workforces, allowing them to learn flexibly and at their own

training programmes have been designed to meet the exacting needs of the Biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland.

pace. The initial foundational suite of NGQs have been developed in the disciplines of cleanroom operations, drug substance and drug product manufacturing, with additional and expanded offerings under current development.

Significant career opportunities in Life Sciences

The one constant in this evolving industry is the requirement for Biopharmaceuticals to be manufactured under strict conditions to satisfy a regulatory agency mandate, with a consequential focus directed toward the skills and associated competencies of personnel engaged in biomanufacturing.

In addition to this, more complex and diverse therapies are constantly coming on stream, with the aim of improving people’s health and quality of life. Because of these advancements, there are significant career opportunities in all aspects of Life Sciences.

NIBRT’s training and education programmes provide a comprehensive understanding of the key scientific and engineering challenges involved in the manufacture of these biotechnology-based products and graduates undertaking any of our programmes gain targeted expertise and develop the practical skills needed to excel in the diverse roles driving this sector’s growth. Whether someone wants to begin a career in the Biopharmaceutical sector or enhance their current skills, NIBRT’s training programmes offer the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in this expanding industry.

NIBRT’s

Graduates undertaking NIBRT programmes gain targeted expertise and develop the practical skills needed to excel in the diverse roles driving Biopharma growth.

Over the past 60 years we have grown to service most of the leading global biopharma clients on their critical production, research and development facilities throughout Europe. We are proud of our reputation for assisting clients in bringing innovative and life improving medicines to market.

Our ability to deliver these services to exacting quality and safety standards and within extremely tight construction schedules has been an essential factor in our ability to forge long term relationships with our clients.

Engineering and Construction Excellence Across Europe

Ireland: a Global Leader in Biopharmaceuticals

Rory Mullen, Global Head of Biopharma, IDA Ireland, assesses the impact of Ireland on the global Biopharma sector and the changing landscape that needs to be traversed if we are to continue to remain competitive.

The impact of Ireland’s Biopharmaceutical sector is felt across the world as the medicines manufactured here are supplied to patient in every corner of the globe. The sector also has an enormous positive impact on Ireland’s economy.

Over the last 65 years, Ireland has become a centre of global significance in the manufacture of Biopharmaceutical products for worldwide supply. The first wave of investment in the 1960s and 1970s was focused on the manufacture of chemically synthesised small molecule products. Over the past 25 years, Ireland has additionally established itself as a global centre of excellence and a location of choice for the manufacture of biologic-based medicines and vaccines.

With strategic foresight and investment, Ireland has positioned itself as a world leader in Chemical and Biologics Biopharma manufacturing. The sector is continuing to develop and grow and total investment of over €15 billion in Biopharma foreign direct investment has been won over the last ten years.

There are now around 25 large-scale biologics manufacturing and finishing facilities in the country in addition to the small molecule cluster, with employment now topping 50,000 and exports of over €100 billion. There is ongoing investment of over €6 billion across multiple sites in locations all over Ireland.

Competing for international investment

Ireland continues to be a stable, secure, and pro-enterprise environment and ranks favourably relative to many competitor jurisdictions. This has enabled us to continue to compete for projects from international Biopharmaceutical companies, as the projects that we continue to win testify. Ireland’s position as an English-speaking country within the EU is attractive to FDI clients, and it is the fastest growing economy in the Eurozone, with sustainably managed public finances and an ‘A’ grade from all major credit rating agencies. Ireland also offers attractive EU state aid-compliant grant incentives for Biopharma companies to build facilities in the country, train staff, and upgrade their operations, including competitive corporation tax and R&D tax credit regimes.

Ireland has an enviable record in education and training. With over 60% of Irish people aged 23-34 completing third-level education and the highest proportion of STEM graduates among 20-29-year-olds in the EU, Ireland’s

population is highly educated, strongly supporting employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors. IDA Ireland’s investment in NIBRT (the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training) provides a unique facility where people can receive Level 6-10 training within a simulated GMP pilot plant setting, which is particularly attractive to companies considering establishing Biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Ireland.

Significant global change

Against this very positive backdrop for Ireland as a global leader, the world of Biopharma manufacturing is now encountering a period of significant change on various fronts:

• Global supply chains are being challenged by the altering geopolitical picture and economic realities, including recent changes to US global trade policy.

• The pace of innovation in Biopharmaceuticals is accelerating. Adding to the well-established classes of protein-based biopharmaceuticals, a range of new therapeutic modalities are being brought through development, including advanced individualised medicines.

• Advanced data science and artificial intelligence are beginning to transform the development, manufacture and commercialisation of medicines and integrated, comprehensive, patient-specific solutions are becoming a reality.

• Increasing numbers of countries in Europe, the Middle East, Far East and beyond are prioritising life sciences FDI and investing in incentives and other innovative instruments to attract multinational investment.

Within this fast-changing global landscape, Ireland's future competitiveness in Biopharma will be heavily reliant on how the country adapts. IDA Ireland welcomes the commitment of the Government to developing a holistic Life Sciences Strategy and looks forward to working with BPCI and our mutual industry partners to ensure that Ireland’s significant positive impact on the global Biopharmaceutical sector continues to grow and thrive.

Rory Mullen, Global Head of Biopharma, IDA Ireland.

A Global Outlook on Biotech

Sinéad Keogh, Head of Sectors and Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland, reports from the recent meeting of the International Council of Biotechnology Associations in Boston, which highlighted the importance of global co-operation and resilient biopharmaceutical supply chains.

Both myself as Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI) and Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director of BPCI, had the opportunity to attend the annual in-person meeting of the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA), held in Boston, in June 2025. The central theme of the gathering was strengthening global supply chains to support future innovation and, most importantly, to benefit patients and citizens worldwide.

During the meeting, the ICBA emphasised that robust and resilient global supply chains are vital for the Biopharmaceutical and Biotech sectors. These interconnected networks span research, development, manufacturing, distribution, and storage across multiple countries. Their complexity fosters innovation, economic growth, and expanded access to health solutions.

However, this interconnectedness also introduces vulnerabilities. Disruptions, whether logistical, regulatory, or geopolitical, can significantly impact access to medicines, vaccines, and other vital products, affecting patient care and scientific progress.

To address these challenges, the ICBA advocates for increased international co-operation. Building redundancy and resilience into supply chains requires a collaborative approach, involving diversified sourcing, shared investments, and harmonised regulatory standards. Such co-operation accelerates research and development, reduces costs, minimises duplication, and ensures the steady flow of critical inputs. Protecting intellectual property and facilitating the exchange of knowledge are crucial components in maintaining thriving innovation ecosystems.

Delegates at the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA) annual in-person meeting, held in Boston in June. The ICBA has 32 national biotech associations from around the world in its membership, including BioPharmaChem Ireland. The association is chaired by Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio, with Wallace Lin, Secretary-General of Taiwan BIO, serving as vice-chair. Hilary Stiss, Executive Director, at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), serves as the Director of the ICBA.

Small and emerging Biotech companies play a pivotal role in earlystage research and de-risking innovative products. Yet, they are often disproportionately affected by disruptions. The ICBA highlighted the importance of supporting these organisations through strengthened global partnerships, which can help reduce delays in bringing new therapies to market.

The meeting also underscored the importance of deeper regulatory alignment among countries. Streamlining processes through international collaboration enhances efficiency, ensuring safe and effective treatments reach patients promptly. A united approach to trade, regulation, and scientific co-operation is necessary to bolster supply chain resilience, foster innovation, and safeguard global public health.

In conclusion, the Boston gathering reaffirmed that strengthening biotechnological supply chains is a shared global responsibility. Only through sustained international co-operation can we build a resilient, innovative ecosystem that benefits citizens everywhere, now and in the future.

The International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA) is a coalition of national, nonprofit biotechnology trade associations dedicated to promoting innovation in human health, agriculture, and environmental applications. Representing the collective voice of the global Biotech industry, the ICBA advocates for policies that enable scientific progress.

Pictured are (l-r): Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland, and Sinéad Keogh, Director, BPCI, attending the annual in person ICBA meeting in Boston.

Ibec – Our Business Ambition

‘Our Business Ambition’ is Ibec’s new campaign that sets out to provide clear and actionable answers to how we forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete, writes

Siobhán Dean, Deputy Director, BioPharmaChem Ireland.

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, recently released a six-pillar campaign addressing the country’s competitiveness and productivity challenges in advance of the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. Through the delivery of targeted policy papers, Ireland’s attitude towards infrastructure, innovation, skills, regulation, energy and digital have been dissected and analysed. Each individual paper provides clear and actionable answers to how we forge ahead; by rekindling our ability to deliver projects, to be agile, and to compete.

The global economy is entering a period of great uncertainty. We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know that the set of economic circumstances - based on multilateralism, openness and globalisation - which Ireland has benefitted from for the past 50 years, is no longer a given. In order to maintain a trajectory towards strong economic growth and stability, more focus on upskilling and support for innovation is needed.

Challenges

and opportunities ahead

In the context of a rapidly changing global economic environment, the challenges and opportunities posed by AI, digital and green transitions, and demographic change, it is critical that our current and future workforce are ready to meet the shifting demands of the labour market.

In the paper outlining our skills ambition, Ibec proposes how the Government can work to permanently unlock the National Training Fund and ensure employers have a stronger voice in shaping the investment direction of the fund. We also address the issue of closing the skills gap and supporting workforce development to enhance the competitiveness of Irish industry and our national capacity to

The campaign outlines how best to tackle Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity challenges when it comes to improving our innovation supports to match our research ambitions.

deliver strategic ambitions around housing and infrastructure delivery, the adoption of net-zero practices across businesses and the development of green energy industries.

Improving innovation supports

In addition, our innovation ambition outlines how best to tackle Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity challenges when it comes to improving our innovation supports to match our research ambitions, supporting business investment through the R&D tax credit and building a more productive economy by helping scaling companies innovate.

The campaign also outlines recommendations such as how to eradicate the imbalance that is contributing to stagnation in Ireland’s innovation performance and risks undermining its comparative advantage and to better to safeguard innovation as a key driver of competitiveness, productivity, and high-value employment.

Redefining Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement

Endress+Hauser’s iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accuracy and response time comparable to invasive temperature measurement. FTL63 is ideally suited for applications with hygienic requirements.

The non-invasive thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser can be used across all industries for a wide range of demanding industrial applications. The surface-mounted thermometer measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption. A specially designed thermal coupling element provides ideal thermal conductivity to the sensor and reduces ambient influences, resulting in excellent measurement performance.

Increased safety for personnel, plant, and the environment

Non-invasive thermometers measure the process temperature on the surface of a pipe without penetrating the pipe wall. This eliminates the risk of leakage, process contamination and flow disturbance. In addition, there is no wear on thermowells or influence from vortexinduced vibration, reducing the risk of failure and plant downtime.

Redefining

non-invasive temperature measurement

The Endress+Hauser surface thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 features a thermal coupling element with advanced geometry

The iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption.

The Endress+Hauser surface thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accurate measurements without the need for error-prone electronic compensation, calculations or algorithms.

specifically designed for the pipe diameter, providing a large contact surface that optimises heat transfer to the sensor. This advantage is further enhanced by an RTD/TC sensor with low thermal mass that fits precisely into the coupling element, eliminating any air gaps. A special heat transfer material applied to the coupling element compensates for any pipe imperfections.

This ingenious product design results in accurate measurements without the need for error-prone electronic compensation, calculations or algorithms.

Significant cost and time savings

In contrast to traditional invasive methods, non-invasive thermometers offer significant time and cost savings at various steps from project engineering to procurement, installation and operation. Development and design times are drastically reduced by eliminating the need for wake frequency and insertion depth calculations. Installation becomes more economical, with reduced material expenses for thermowells, nozzles, pipe extensions and flanges.

This cost efficiency even extends to services such as weld seam tests and material certification. In addition, non-invasive thermometers minimise lifecycle costs by eliminating risks such as thermowell breakage, leakage and regular inspection.

Designed to meet all requirements

The product is equipped with all relevant international certifications, including explosion protection according to ATEX, IECEx, CSA and NEPSI and functional safety (SIL). In addition, iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 is available with the full range of Endress+Hauser iTEMP temperature transmitters, including all common analogue and digital communication protocols, optional Bluetooth connectivity and advanced diagnostics according to NAMUR NE107. The stainless-steel clamps ensure easy and safe installation, making it ideal for retrofitting or temporary measurement.

These features establish the non-invasive thermometer as the perfect solution for energy and safety monitoring, as well as for demanding applications, such as high flow velocities or process pressures, highly viscous or corrosive media and applications including pigging or small pipe diameters.

For more information, visit: https://eh.digital/3He2cSO

PMTC: Driving Innovation and Competitiveness in the Irish Biopharma Sector

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre brings together multinationals, SMEs, and academic institutions to focus on real-world challenges facing pharmaceutical manufacturers, delivering solutions that improve performance, reduce waste, and optimise operations.

Ireland’s Biopharmaceutical industry continues to play a central role in the global Life Sciences sector. Maintaining that competitive edge amid rising complexity, evolving technologies, and growing economic and regulatory pressures, requires continuous innovation. At the heart of this transformation is the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre (PMTC).

Established in 2014 and funded by Enterprise Ireland with the support of IDA Ireland, PMTC has become a cornerstone of applied research and technological innovation for the Irish Biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Its industry-led model brings together multinationals (MNCs), SMEs, and academic institutions to deliver impactful research and ensure that Irish Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing remains efficient, resilient, and globally competitive.

A unique industry-led research model

What sets PMTC apart in the Irish RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) landscape is its industry-informed research. The centre focuses on real-world challenges facing pharmaceutical manufacturers, delivering solutions that improve performance, reduce waste, and optimise operations, making the Irish Biopharma sector more competitive and efficient by using technology and analytics to investigate the manufacturing plants and processes and see the opportunities to make them more efficient by saving time and reducing waste. This is a real need for the sector in these difficult times.

For instance, improving capacity through better cleaning processes, reducing wastes by improving yields and using greener solvents and processes etc. will help keep production and jobs in Ireland, as well as fostering innovation mindsets and relevant skills in the Irish plants’ personnel, which is critical for future continued success.

Acting as a strategic connector between industry and academia, PMTC enables:

• Collaborative research projects between academia and industry, targeting high-priority industry needs;

• Knowledge and technology transfer, ensuring research is translated into practical, on-site improvements;

• SME–MNC engagement, opening doors for indigenous companies to access and contribute to global supply chains.

By fostering an open, academia/industry collaborative environment, PMTC drives innovation across every tier of the Irish Biopharma ecosystem.

Supporting SMEs and strengthening the supply chain

One of PMTC’s key contributions is in enabling SMEs to engage directly with large MNCs. This is critical to building a stronger, more resilient supply chain within Ireland. PMTC acts as a test-bed and showcase for new technologies, giving SMEs the opportunity to:

• De-risk their innovations/technologies through lab and pilot-scale demonstration;

Validate performance in realistic settings at the pilot-scale;

• Gain visibility and credibility among major global players operating in Ireland.

Moreover, the centre is playing a vital role in de-risking the implementation and use of new technologies by MNCs, enabling Biopharma companies to ‘test before invest’ and ensuring seamless industry readiness in a safe testing environment.

This access to expertise and collaboration is invaluable. It helps indigenous firms build the capability and confidence needed to scale, diversify, and become strategic partners in an industry traditionally dominated by large multinationals. This collaborative dynamic not only boosts the performance of individual companies but also enhances the overall robustness and agility of Ireland’s pharmaceutical value chain.

Damon Warnock, Centre Director, PMTC.

Developing future-ready talent

As the industry becomes more advanced, it must also invest in futureready skills and talent development. PMTC recognises this and is helping to shape Ireland’s talent pipeline through:

• Engagement with higher education institutions and globally renowned academics and matter-experts;

• Industry-led training, workshops, and community of practices in specialised areas;

• Collaborative projects that offer hands-on learning for researchers and plant personnel.

By supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce equipped for next-generation manufacturing, PMTC is ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location for high-value Biopharma investment.

Upskilling and capacity-building for the sector

PMTC contributes significantly and helps both SMEs and MNCs in the area of specialised training and upskilling. In its Phase 3 of operation, PMTC will target supporting key skills needs for pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and their digital journey, i.e., AI/ML and data analytics. The centre will leverage its deep domain knowledge and growing digitally enabled infrastructure to provide opportunities to learn, test, and develop or adapt technologies to meet the growing needs of the sector.

The focus of Phase 3 will be on providing companies with access to hands-on learning and development opportunities in a test-bed (Sandbox) environment, thereby promoting innovation opportunities, such as digital transformation and continuous manufacturing, at Irish sites. Aligning with its mandate to provide access to talent and skills and to prepare the future skills for the sector, PMTC will focus on its initiative to implement ‘Lab 5.0’, enhancing its capability in this area by investing in resources and space to build the lab of the future and the required knowledge and expertise. As the industry moves toward digitalisation and Pharma 5.0, PMTC is uniquely positioned to support this transition.

A strategic vision for the future

The Biopharmaceutical sector is facing growing complexity in drug processing, digitalisation, and regulatory demands. To address this, PMTC is scaling its RDI operations with a strategic focus on:

• Long-term research missions (8-10 years), ensuring sustained RDI momentum and fostering innovative interconnectivity.

• Advanced Biopharma drug manufacturing technologies, aiming at accelerating the operationalisation of late-stage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to industrial-scale production.

• Enhanced collaborations (inter-institutional and cross-centres), maximising cumulative value through leveraged matrixed capabilities and synergistic expertise.

• Development of tailored talent pipelines, delivering industryready professionals in cutting-edge Biopharma manufacturing, equipped with the required future skills.

By aligning these initiatives with industry needs and objectives, PMTC will drive transformative change, ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of high-value Biopharma manufacturing.

While PMTC has already delivered impressive outcomes, it will continue to deliver on the successful impacts from the current phase of operation, via process development and innovation; industrialacademic collaborations, knowledge, and skill development; building infrastructure and capabilities; and showcasing industrially relevant research.

By remaining aligned with national priorities and international best practices, PMTC is uniquely equipped to help maintain existing investments and attract new ones, ensuring Ireland stays at the forefront of Biopharmaceutical innovation.

For more information:

If you would like to know more about the exciting developments at PMTC or become part of their extensive, collaborative membership community, please visit www.pmtc.ie or email pmtc@ul.ie

Rabah Mouras, Centre Research Manager, PMTC.

PMTC test-bed (Sandbox) offering for research, training, use cases, and technology demonstration.

WuXi Biologics' drug substance manufacturing site in Dundalk, County Louth, is a true world-class hub for biologics innovation and manufacturing. As a leading Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO), they're driven by a singular mission: to accelerate the development and efficient production of vital, life-saving medicines for patients across the globe.

Their state-of-the-art facility, strategically positioned on a 26-hectare site midway between Dublin and Belfast, represents a significant investment in Ireland’s thriving Life Sciences sector. It stands as one of the world's largest facilities to exclusively utilise single-use bioreactor technology, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. With an impressive 54,000L capacity, including a 6,000L perfusion suite and a 48,000L fedbatch suite, WuXi Biologics specialise in both late-stage clinical and commercial production of crucial monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and recombinant proteins.

Operational Excellence

Operations commenced in 2021, and they achieved full GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification in December 2024, underscoring the company’s commitment to the highest global quality standards. This dedication to operational excellence was

further recognised with the prestigious 2023 ISPE Facility of the Year Award for Operations.

Beyond their technological prowess, WuXi Biologics are deeply rooted in the local community. They have created over 800 jobs in Dundalk, becoming a major employer and a key contributor to Ireland's flourishing Biopharma ecosystem.

Dundalk, Co.Louth

WuXi Biologics’ state-of-the-art facility is strategically positioned on a 26-hectare site midway between Dublin and Belfast.

WuXi Biologics specialise in both late-stage clinical and commercial production of crucial monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and recombinant proteins.

Cutting edge Spectrometry from Anton Paar

Identity testing of raw materials is made easy using Lyza 7000 and Spectroscopy Suite from Anton Paar.

Are you looking for a pharmaceutical compliant solution for your raw material testing?

The Lyza 7000 FTIR Spectrometer, coupled with the pharmaceutical-compliant Anton Paar Spectroscopy Suite software, provides an accurate and efficient solution for analysing raw materials, fully adhering to international pharmacopoeias.

Raw material testing in the pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical production is one of the world's most regulated industries, encompassing everything from raw material delivery to final product packaging. Processes must adhere to strict legal standards to ensure product quality and safety for global patients. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API’s) require testing for chemical identity as per international pharmacopeias and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.

Anton Paar’s Lyza 7000 FTIR spectrometers and Spectroscopy Suite software provide quick and reliable ID testing, with straightforward method development and validation, ensuring data integrity compliant with FDA's CFR 21 part 11.

Anton Paar’s Lyza 7000 FTIR spectrometers and Spectroscopy Suite software provide quick and reliable ID testing, with straightforward method development and validation, ensuring data integrity compliant with FDA’s CFR 21 part 11.

You can download an application report from: https://www.anton-paar.com/corp-en/servicessupport/document-finder/application-reports/ identity-testing-of-raw-materials-using-lyza-7000and-spectroscopy-suite-active-pharmaceuticalingredients/?utm_source=pharmachemIE&utm_ medium=media&utm_campaign=ie_bm.ftir. lyza-7000&utm_content=C-00074185

Product benefits

The Lyza series FTIR spectrometers transform industry standards: guided workflows, combining measurement, processing and spectral analysis in an automated method, allow users with minimal experience to perform QC measurements in just three steps, for a quick pass/fail result.

Anton Paar's Lyza FTIR sets new standards with:

• Unsurpassed sensitivity thanks to best-in-class signal-to-noise ratio, advanced detector and cutting-edge interferometer design;

• Small standalone footprint with touchscreen interface;

• Unlimited samples with its modular design;

• Avoid errors with guided workflows and built-in best practice prompts;

• Simple one-touch operation for complex measurements;

• No sample preparation required;

• The Lyza 3000 allows you to run pharmacompliant software straight to your computer.

The Lyza 7000 FTIR Spectrometer, coupled with the pharmaceutical-compliant Anton Paar Spectroscopy Suite software, provides an accurate and efficient solution for analysing raw materials.

For more information, visit: https://www.anton-paar.com/corpen/services-support/documentfinder/application-reports/ identity-testing-of-raw-materials-usinglyza-7000-and-spectroscopy-suite-activepharmaceutical-ingredients/?utm_ source=pharmachemIE&utm_ medium=media&utm_campaign=ie_ bm.ftir.lyza-7000&utm_content=C-00074185

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Indaver: Adding Value to your Waste

Indaver offer smart, safe and circular waste solutions for a resilient Irish pharma industry.

Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry is a global powerhouse—but with that strength comes responsibility. As the sector grows more complex, so too do the challenges of managing complex industrial waste. Market competition with other continents is high: regulatory scrutiny, environmental pressures, and the need for recycling are all rising. For decision-makers in Ireland’s Life Sciences sector, the growing focus on sustainability, traceability, and security of supply has turned waste management from a back-office function into a boardroom priority.

A local solution to mitigate risk, regulation, and reputation

Pharmaceutical production naturally involves complex waste, including solvents, precious metals, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) residues, and other sensitive or hazardous materials. High-risk by-products require safe, compliant, and traceable treatment. That is why Indaver, leaders in sustainable waste management, offer a fully integrated Total Waste Management (TWM) approach tailored for Ireland’s Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences sector. Their treatment installations in Meath and abroad provide local and international fully compliant disposal of complex industrial waste.

Indaver don’t just collect your waste; they help you understand it, manage it, reduce it, and valorize it into materials and/or convert it into energy supplied via heat networks. From on-site manpower to high-end recycling, Indaver act as your strategic waste and compliance partner at every stage.

Closing the loop: high-end recovery and purification

Indaver’s commitment to the circular economy is at the heart of their operations. Within the Indaver group, they offer cutting-edge resource recovery solutions that bring real value to pharmaceutical manufacturing:

High-end recycling of solvents, precious metals, end-of-life plastics in high-tech installations.

• Indaver Solvents specialise in the purification and recovery of high-grade solvents from pharmaceutical waste. These recovered solvents can be reused in production, reducing raw material dependency and supporting circular manufacturing processes.

• Inopsys bring mobile and modular on-site water treatment systems that safely and efficiently treat API-contaminated and toxic process waters at the source. This helps companies meet strict discharge standards, while reducing the need to transport hazardous liquids off-site.

• Inda-MP focus on precious metal recovery from pharmaceutical production waste, including homogeneous catalysts and residues. By recovering high-value metals such as platinum and palladium, Inda-MP enable closed-loop systems that reduce costs and environmental impact.

• The new Rivenhall Waste-to-Energy installation in Essex, UK, is a landmark facility designed to generate renewable energy from nonrecyclable waste, which will integrate carbon capture technologies.

Together, these innovations allow pharma companies to maximise value, reduce risk, and move closer to their environmental ambitions.

Keeping value on the island

A robust circular waste system supports Ireland’s economic independence. By treating and recycling waste locally if possible but always sustainably, Irish pharma can decrease their dependency on treatment capacity abroad and reduce vulnerability to geopolitical or logistical issues.

This strengthens Ireland’s position in global pharma manufacturing and supports long-term competitiveness. Indaver’s facilities and expertise keep value-added materials circulating, supporting long term sovereign capability.

Discover more at www.indaver.com/ie or email iws-services@indaver.com

Indaver’s installation in Duleek, Co. Meath.

As an industry leader, you want to limit your environmental impact as much as possible. A reliable partner for your waste management can contribute to this. Thanks to our focus on the circular economy, recovering valuable materials and energy from your waste, we help you achieve your sustainability goals. Safe & circular.

Not yet a partner? Contact us: info@indaver.ie

INDAVER CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR CLIMATE OBJECTIVES. IN SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP THANKS TO 35 YEARS OF KNOW-HOW AND INNOVATION.

Revolutionising Environmental Control in Pharma

Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s new Environmental Control Test Chamber is an award-winning innovation in humidity and temperature regulation.

In the world of pharmaceutical testing, precision in environmental conditions is not just a preference, it’s a necessity. Recognising this need, Dawsongroup tcs Ireland developed a groundbreaking Environmental Control Test Chamber, setting new standards in humidity and temperature regulation. This groundbreaking project recently earned them the Humidity Project of the Year Award at the ACR News Awards, solidifying its status as a game-changer in environmental simulation.

A solution born from industry demand Pharmaceutical companies require highly stable environmental conditions to ensure the quality, reliability, and consistency of their products, from vaccine stability tests to complex R&D processes. One of Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s key clients, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, faced challenges maintaining consistent humidity levels, risking compromised testing results and increased operational costs.

To address this, Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s engineering team designed the Environmental Control Test Chamber, a cutting-edge solution combining precision, energy efficiency, and customisability. Unlike existing solutions, it guarantees ultra-stable humidity and temperature levels with minimal deviation, offering reliability crucial to pharmaceutical applications.

Key innovations driving precision and efficiency

The Environmental Control Test Chamber’s design centres on three core principles:

precision, efficiency, and adaptability. It features high-precision sensors that maintain stability to within 0.2% deviation, energyefficient smart algorithms that minimise power consumption, and a modular build that allows for customisation across various applications.

The Dawsongroup tcs Ireland Environmental Control Test Chamber won the ‘Humidity Project of the Year Award’ at the ACR News Awards.

Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s new Environmental Control Test Chamber sets new standards in humidity and temperature regulation.

The user-friendly interface includes automation and real-time monitoring, giving researchers complete control, while reducing manual intervention. Remote management capabilities further enhance operational efficiency, making the system a comprehensive solution for advanced environmental control.

Real-world success and industry recognition

The Chamber’s impact has been immediate and far-reaching. Their pharmaceutical client reported a 99.8% stability rate in humidity control, significantly reducing test variability and cutting energy consumption by 30%. This success story exemplifies how this new technology meets the rigorous demands of pharmaceutical testing.

“Earning the ACR News Award was a defining moment for our team, acknowledging our commitment to innovation and excellence,” noted Christian Visser, Business Development Manager at Dawsongroup. “The award not only highlights the project’s success but also showcases Dawsongroup tcs Ireland’s leadership in environmental control solutions.”

Scaling the success: rolling out to new clients

Following the award, the company is now rolling out this advanced test chamber to other pharmaceutical customers who face similar challenges. By implementing this technology across the industry, they aim to support consistent quality control, efficient operations, and sustainable testing practices.

Looking ahead

“Our journey doesn’t stop here,” Christian stresses. “As we continue to expand the availability of our Environmental Control Test Chamber, we are also working on enhancing energy efficiency and developing IoT-enabled monitoring for even greater precision and control.”

Dawsongroup tcs Ireland remain committed to setting new benchmarks in environmental control, helping pharmaceutical companies maintain the highest standards in product testing and development. Stay tuned for more innovations as they continue to push the boundaries of environmental simulation.

Supply Chain Resilience Delivered

Ross Looney, Chief Operating Officer at NCC, discusses how pharmaceutical companies can strengthen their supply chains to withstand ongoing uncertainty.

In today’s volatile global environment, geopolitical instability consistently threatens supply chain continuity. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, even short-term disruptions in raw material supply, from regional conflicts to trade wars, can have serious repercussions. As supply chains become increasingly complex, resilience is no longer optional; it is essential.

From ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’

The traditional ‘just-in-time’ model may have worked well in a more stable environment, but todays’ pharmaceutical manufacturers are re-evaluating that approach. In response to increasing uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, many are shifting towards a ‘just-in-case’ strategy, emphasising adaptability, proactive risk management and resilience. This evolution requires sourcing partners who do more than deliver products; they must understand their customers’ objectives, anticipate risks, and respond swiftly to disruptions.

At NCC, we see integrated supply chains not merely as logistics networks, but as collaborative ecosystems. We work closely with our customers to evaluate vulnerabilities and design customised strategies that mitigate the risk of delays or bottlenecks to ensure that essential materials are available precisely when and where they are needed, even amid uncertainty.

Strategic sourcing

Traditionally, our sourcing efforts were focused on identifying and approving primary sources of raw materials with a focus on quality and cost efficiency. However, in light of the aforementioned supply chain challenges, we are also developing enhanced sourcing solutions for customers, including strategically sourcing and approving secondary sources for key raw materials.

Our global sourcing team have the experience and market knowledge to assist our customers in sourcing and approving both primary and secondary sources of raw materials. This is led by our growing dedicated in-house sourcing team and supported by our international network of sourcing partners through our membership of Pluschem.

At NCC, we understand the rigorous approval process for these newly sourced materials, given today’s regulatory landscape. Our sourcing team work in conjunction with our leading Quality & Compliance team to conduct comprehensive due diligence on all potential supply partners and new materials, prior to introducing them to your supply chain for approval.

Delivering peace of mind

While resilient supply chains start with sourcing quality raw materials, a key component is having these materials readily available even when disruptions occur.

At NCC, we understand that security of supply and reliable access to key raw materials is imperative for our customers. We work with our supply partners to mitigate this risk through contracted volumes and securing priority allocation in the event of supply shortages.

We also recognise the value of local stockholding, which acts as a critical safeguard during unforeseen supply chain disruptions, preventing costly production downtime. We understand that effective stock control entails more than warehousing – it demands strategic insight and proactive management.

Our dedicated teams work in conjunction with our customers to maintain safety stocks for key campaigns across our global network of accredited warehouses. This ensures materials remain close at hand to stay one step ahead in our increasingly unpredictable supply environment, while also freeing up space at our customers’ manufacturing sites.

Resilience as a core principle

Recent years have made one thing clear: volatility is a constant. That’s why resilience is embedded into every facet of our operations – from pre-qualifying secondary suppliers to priority material allocation and strategic local stockholding for high-risk materials.

With locations in Ireland, the UK, and the US, along with a robust global partner network, NCC are uniquely equipped to support pharmaceutical companies with both regional and international sourcing needs.

According to our 2024 customer survey, 84% of customers reported that NCC’s order delivery performance exceeded or greatly exceeded their expectations, a testament to our reliability and responsiveness when it matters most.

Let’s work together to build a more resilient supply chain.

Stronger supply chains start with NCC.

In an era of uncertainty, supply chain resilience is essential. At NCC, we help pharmaceutical manufacturers move from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” strategies - ensuring critical raw materials are always within reach.

From strategic sourcing and dual-supply options to local stockholding and rigorous compliance, NCC builds secure, agile supply chains that can withstand global disruption. With a 2024 On-Time In-Full (OTIF) rate of 98.77%, we don’t just promise resilience - we deliver it.

NCC, a sourcing partner you can rely on. Learn more about our supply chain sourcing solutions today:

Soltec: Sustainable Waste Management Solutions for Pharma

Soltec’s €6.8 million state-of-the-art treatment facility increases their capacity to treat hazardous waste by 300%.

The United Nations has stated that “the world must move beyond the waste era and turn waste into a resource”. This is key to Soltec’s mission; they provide a range of clients in the pharmaceutical sector with innovative, sustainable and cost-effective methods of waste management and treatment that result in recycled products for re-entry into the economy. Over 90% of the waste Soltec accept from the pharmaceutical industry is recovered and recycled into new products. With over 30 years’ experience, Soltec are a leader in the Irish hazardous waste recycling industry. As evidence of this, Soltec were awarded the Overall Pakman Award in 2024 for their dedication to providing sustainable solutions in the waste management sector.

Sustainable solutions for the circular economy

Soltec accept over 450 different types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Their technical team assesses and collects hazardous waste materials from clients, ensuring full compliance with ADR regulations, EPA licence requirements and waste collection permit regulations. Soltec produce a range of recycled solvent products using their on-site distillation process. Soltec also generate industrial fuels from waste solvents, which are then used as low-carbon fuel alternatives in the cement

Soltec’s newly installed distillation plant in 2024 has increased capacity to recover solvents by 300% and to a higher quality.

industry. Their annual recovery rate equates to over 6,000 tonnes of net carbon savings. Further underpinning their commitment to sustainability, 55% of the electrical energy Soltec expend in the treatment and recovery of waste at their facility is generated from their extensive solar array.

Increased capacity to accept hazardous waste

In light of the growing demand from the pharmaceutical sector, Soltec embarked on an ambitious investment programme in 2016. This culminated in the recent opening of their €6.8 million state-of-the-art treatment facility, increasing their capacity to treat hazardous waste by 300%. This new facility allows Soltec’s processes to further align with the restorative and regenerative fundamentals of the circular economy and the proximity principle. Materials otherwise disposed of are kept in use in the economy. Waste is eliminated through employing innovative recycling techniques.

The waste Soltec accept from the pharmaceutical industry includes:

Soltec is accredited to ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard, ISO14001 Environmental Management System and ISO45001 Health and Safety Standard.

• Waste solvents

• Laboratory chemicals

• Corrosive wastes (including acid and base materials)

• Waste aerosol cans

• Contaminated packaging

• Glycols and coolants

• Aqueous organic wastes

• Cutting fluids

• Waste oil

• Waste solvent wipes

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Glues and adhesives

• Filter cakes

Commitment to international best practice

Soltec’s commitment to cost effective yet environmentally sustainable waste solutions is demonstrated through their state-of-art facilities, accreditations and compliance with national and international regulations. This includes:

• EPA Licenced faciliuty (licence ref P1093-01);

• Facilities audited by large pharma and biomedical companies on a regular basis;

• Accredited to ISO9001 Quality Management Standard, ISO14001 Environmental Management Standard and ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Standard;

• ISO certified laboratory;

• 6,000+ tonnes of carbon reduction per year.

David Corcoran, Soltec CEO and 2025 finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, pictured with Neil Cooney, Enterprise Ireland, and Damien Cole, Irish Ambassador, at Ireland House in Tokyo as part of the EY Entrepreneurs Retreat.

Providing sustainable solutions through recycling hazardous waste.

Securing cost-effective treatment options for our industry partners.

Reducing Ireland’s carbon footprint.

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN TREATMENT AND RECYCLING

IRELAND’S ONLY PROVIDER OF SOLVENT DISTILLATION SERVICES

Strengthening Europe’s Pharmaceutical Future

SK pharmteco’s commitment to API production is evident with the opening of two new state-of-the-art facilities at its Swords plant over the next year.

Europe has seen a decline in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production in recent years. In response to the increasing challenge of securing vital pharmaceutical supplies, mainly imported from Asia, the European Parliament (EP) held a public hearing in January 2025 to discuss strategies for boosting the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicines within Europe (www.pharmtech.com/view/eu-to-support-the-production-of-apisand-finished-medicines-within-europe).

This trend has raised concerns about the resilience of the continent's pharmaceutical supply chain, exposing vulnerabilities that could affect access to essential medicines. The dependence on external markets for key drug components introduces risks, such as supply interruptions and quality control problems, making the revival of domestic API manufacturing a strategic priority for the European Union.

APIs are crucial to the pharmaceutical industry, directly affecting the efficacy and safety of drugs. While globalisation has expanded access to affordable, quality medicines, it has also lengthened, complicated, and fragmented the supply chain, increasing countries' dependence on overseas API suppliers.

Strategic investments and expansion

Addressing this critical need directly, SK pharmteco is taking steps to strengthen the EU pharmaceutical supply chain through strategic investments and expansion. The company is ready to significantly boost its manufacturing capacity with the opening of two new state-of-the-art facilities at its Swords, Ireland, plant within the next year. These expansions highlight SK pharmteco's strong commitment to improving the European pharmaceutical sector.

The first of these additions is a kilo-scale plant, planned to open in Q4 2025. This specialised facility is carefully designed to produce High-Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPIs) specifically for targeted Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapies. ADC therapies are a sophisticated approach to cancer treatment, providing highly targeted drug delivery with lower systemic toxicity. The ability to produce these complex and powerful APIs within Europe is vital for advancing and making such innovative treatments accessible, ensuring a reliable and specialised supply for a growing market.

Commercial-scale API facility coming in Q1 2026

Following closely, in Q1 2026, SK pharmteco will launch a new commercial-scale API facility. This large-scale facility will further increase the company's manufacturing capacity, enabling the production of APIs on a broader commercial scale alongside its existing commercial large-scale facilities. The combined capabilities of the kilo lab and the commercial-scale facility will not only enhance SK pharmteco's robust and diversified manufacturing base but also bolster the overall stability and security of the European pharmaceutical supply chain more broadly.

SK pharmteco’s proactive steps to expand its API production capabilities in Swords, Ireland, mark a significant move toward strengthening Europe's pharmaceutical independence and resilience. By focusing on critical HPAPIs for targeted therapies and increasing commercial-scale manufacturing, along with a steadfast commitment to compliance, security, and sustainability, SK pharmteco plays a crucial role in securing the region's pharmaceutical supply future.

CRS Pharma Solutions are specialist providers of modular, climate-controlled storage designed specifically for the pharmaceutical sector.

With over 30 years of experience and more than 500 units currently in service across seven European countries, they are trusted by over 50 leading pharmaceutical companies to safeguard their high-value, temperature-sensitive products.

From off-the-shelf modular solutions to bespoke cold rooms built on-site, their systems are fully commissioned, calibrated, and maintained by a team of certified engineers. They deliver rapid deployment and ongoing support to ensure every unit operates at peak compliance and efficiency.

What is pharma-grade climate-controlled storage?

Pharma-grade storage refers to climate-controlled units that meet the rigorous standards required for the pharmaceutical industry, including GDP and F-Gas compliance.

CRS units maintain precise temperature stability, with options ranging from singlerefrigeration systems to advanced dualrefrigeration models for redundancy and risk mitigation. These systems are essential for protecting the integrity of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, preventing costly spoilage,

CRS Pharma Chem Ad.pdf 1 23/05/2025 10:20:47

and ensuring regulatory compliance. Real-time monitoring, validated systems, and expert servicing ensure their clients’ critical storage environments are always under control.

What sets CRS Pharma apart?

CRS Pharma Solutions differentiates itself through deep industry expertise, unmatched speed of delivery, and a flexible leasing model that supports operational agility. Their clients benefit from:

• Fast access to stock units across Europe with minimal lead time.

• Leasing options that reduce upfront costs and enable scalable operations.

CRS units maintain precise temperature stability, with options ranging from single-refrigeration systems to advanced dual-refrigeration models for redundancy and risk mitigation.

Off-the-Shelf and bespoke options available, delivered internationally on a tight turnaround. Rent or buy, procure directly through your EPCM.

Trusted by over 50 leading pharmaceutical companies, CRS Pharma Solutions delivers GDP-compliant, modular cold storage across Europe with industry-leading turnaround times.

Our PharmaGrade units feature dual refrigeration for maximum reliability, real-time monitoring, and full-service support.

www.crspharmasolutions.com

CRS Pharma Solutions are trusted by over 50 leading pharmaceutical companies to safeguard their high-value, temperature-sensitive products.

• All-inclusive service packages, including maintenance, emergency support, and compliance assurance.

• Custom-built units on demand, for complete design and purpose flexibility.

• In-house experts in engineering, validation, and compliance.

Where others offer static products, CRS Pharma delivers dynamic, customised, end-to-end solutions. “We are not just a supplier; we are a partner in safeguarding pharmaceutical product quality, compliance, and business continuity,” noted Patrick Tyrrell, Technical Manager.

For more, see crspharmasolutions.com

The Silent Barrier in Pharma’s Digital Future

When it comes to digitalisation, standardisation must come before innovation, write Vivek Kasture, Digital Manufacturing Partner, Deepak Jayakumar, Digital Manufacturing Senior Manager, and Johanna Mc Loughlin, Partner Head of Life Science Consulting Ireland, EY Ireland.

The pharmaceutical industry stands as one of Ireland’s most significant economic engines, driving robust GDP growth, sustaining over 50,000 skilled jobs, and powering some of the nation’s most impactful exports. With world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies having established manufacturing operations on Irish soil, Ireland has firmly cemented its role as a global hub for pharmaceutical excellence.

Yet, despite this momentum, the industry finds itself at a crossroads.

The complex challenge at hand

As we move deeper into 2025, the pharmaceutical sector faces escalating pressures from macroeconomic turbulence: shifting global trade dynamics, inflationary cost structures, regulatory upheaval across the EU, and geopolitical tensions. Add to this the burden of maintaining compliance within a rigorously regulated environment, and the stakes are higher than ever. Companies are not just under pressure to deliver life-saving treatments; they must do so faster, more efficiently, and at lower costs, without compromising on quality.

In response, the sector has turned toward digital transformation. Concepts such as Pharma 4.0, cloud-based platforms, AI-driven analytics, and automated manufacturing are now central to strategic agendas. However, there’s an inconvenient truth that continues to haunt even the most forward-looking organisations: digital transformation efforts often fall short, not due to the technology itself, but because of what lies beneath it.

The hidden barrier: inconsistent processes

Despite aggressive investment in digital tools and platforms, one critical issue continues to undermine progress: the lack of process standardisation across plants, labs, and production environments.

Many organisations operate in a mosaic of legacy systems, customised workflows, and localised practices. While this patchwork might support local optimisation, it creates major friction when scaling digital solutions globally. Each new deployment of a dashboard, analytics tool, or AI pilot becomes a bespoke project, draining resources and diminishing returns.

This fragmentation leads to what many now refer to as the ‘digital mirage’, an illusion of progress where isolated technologies are implemented without truly transforming operations. When the foundational processes - like batch execution, deviation handling, and quality workflows - are inconsistent, digital tools can’t operate at scale or deliver the promised value.

Standardisation: the unsung catalyst

True digital transformation doesn’t begin with apps, platforms, or sensors. It begins with consistency.

Process standardisation across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain operations is the bedrock upon which automation, real-time analytics, AI, and advanced manufacturing can genuinely thrive. It enables plug-and-play deployment of digital tools, ensures data

reliability, and streamlines validation and compliance.

This foundational shift is especially critical for brownfield sites, where legacy equipment and diverse control systems make integration a major challenge. The path forward requires a global harmonisation strategy, particularly across Level 0–3 systems. This includes PLCs, SCADA, MES, DCS, and LIMS, each of which must be integrated cohesively into the equipment train to enable seamless data flow and process visibility.

But standardisation is not just about technology. It also simplifies change management. When teams across facilities operate under a unified model, adopting new digital tools becomes more intuitive, sustainable, and less resistant.

Historian, edge, and data lake: making data work

As pharma evolves into a data-driven industry, capturing and leveraging operational data is non-negotiable. Yet, many companies are still grappling with foundational questions: Should we centralise

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

our historian systems? Can edge computing improve data readiness? What architecture best supports AI-driven decision-making?

A modern historian strategy must be adaptable; capable of functioning at the site level, while also feeding into centralised data lakes for enterprise-wide insights. These systems should be analyticsfriendly, cybersecure, and capable of scaling with growing data demands. Coupled with edge computing, they can enable real-time decision-making on the shop floor while minimising latency.

IT/OT convergence: unlocking intelligent operations

Perhaps the most critical enabler of digital maturity is IT/OT convergence–the integration of enterprise IT systems (ERP, cloud infrastructure, AI platforms) with operational systems (PLCs, MES, LIMS, sensors).

This convergence unlocks powerful capabilities: predictive maintenance, closed-loop automation, adaptive manufacturing, and digital twins.

However, without process harmonisation, IT/OT alignment is fraught with integration headaches, siloed data, and inefficient workflows.

ISA 95 framework for pharmaceutical process management.

“Despite aggressive investment in digital tools and platforms, one critical issue continues to undermine progress: the lack of process standardisation across plants, labs, and production environments.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Successful IT/OT integration doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all formula. It must be guided by each organisation’s unique infrastructure, regulatory environment, and operational maturity. Tailored convergence roadmaps, co-created by cross-functional teams, ensure business and production systems can operate in tandem, not in parallel.

Guiding Principles for a Sustainable Digital Future

1. Harmonise processes first: Build consistency across operations before layering in technology.

2. Collaborate cross-functionally: Bring IT, OT, QA, business, and operations teams to the table from day one.

3. Use standards and modular design: Ensure scalability and future-proofing by building on common frameworks.

4. Match AI to standardised use cases: Avoid chasing novelty; ensure AI tools solve real, well-defined problems.

5. Design for scale, not just success: Avoid “pilot purgatory.” Test for scalability, not just feasibility.

Conclusion: the future is standardised, intelligent, and adaptive

When I first entered this industry two decades ago, Level 3 systems like MES and LIMS were rare, often seen as experimental. Today, they’re table stakes. But despite this progress, the full promise of digital transformation remains unrealised, largely because we’ve prioritised technology over readiness.

It’s time for a mindset shift. Digital transformation isn’t about deploying the latest tools; it’s about preparing the ecosystem in which those tools can thrive. That ecosystem is built on standardised processes, unified data architectures, and strong IT/OT alignment. Only then can we unlock the true power of AI, digital twins, generative models, and adaptive manufacturing systems.

The future of pharma is not just digital; it’s integrated, intelligent, and ready to respond in real time. But we can only get there by laying the right foundation, and that begins with standardisation.

“Digital transformation isn’t about deploying the latest tools; it’s about preparing the ecosystem in which those tools can thrive. That

ecosystem is built on standardised processes, unified data architectures, and strong IT/OT alignment.”

A modern historian strategy must be adaptable; capable of functioning at the site level while also feeding into centralised data lakes for enterprise-wide insights.

For more information, contact the report authors

Johanna Mc Loughlin, Partner Head of Life Science Consulting Ireland: Johanna.mcloughlin@ie.ey.com

Deepak Jayakumar, Digital Manufacturing Senior Manager, EY Ireland: Deepak.jayakumar@

Global sourcing network

Contract manufacturing & repacking

Wet & dry blending facilities

Bespoke concentrations & blends

Bulk chemical logistics management

Tailored testing to meet customer specifications

Contact: John Lynch

Pharmaceutical Chemicals

Email: john.lynch@carbon.ie

Phone: +353 85 833 7546

Carbon Group, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork

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With a vast knowledge of the refrigeration industry and the Pharmaceutical sector in particular, we are the first choice for our large client base when it comes to servicing, maintaining, and replacing all types refrigeration equipment from large capacity chillers to medical storage cabinets and temperature control systems.

• Supply,
installation
&
commissioning

• Supply,
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• Project
management

• Project
management

• Monitoring
Systems

With a vast knowledge of the refrigeration industry and the Pharmaceutical sector in particular, we are the first choice for our large client base when it comes to servicing, maintaining, and replacing all types refrigeration equipment from large capacity chillers to medical storage cabinets and temperature control systems.

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Cross Technical Solutions Ltd.

Cross Technical Solutions Ltd.

9/10 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

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9/10 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

PRODUCTS
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PRODUCTS
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PRODUCTS
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Cross Technical Solutions Ltd. 9/10 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Cross Technical Solutions Ltd., 9/10 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

PRODUCTS
&
SERVICES

PRODUCTS
&
SERVICES

Co. Dublin - Ireland

• Monitoring
Systems

• Supply,
installation
&
commissioning

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management

• Plant
service
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• Plant
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service
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Co. Dublin - Ireland

Co. Dublin - Ireland

Tel (+353) 01 405 6777

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• Site
survey
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system

recommendation

With a vast knowledge of the refrigeration industry and the Pharmaceutical sector in particular, we are the first choice for our large client base when it comes to servicing, maintaining, and replacing all types refrigeration equipment from large capacity chillers to medical storage cabinets and temperature control systems.

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Site
survey
&
system

recommendation

• Supply,
installation
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• Site
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system

recommendation

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Tel (+353) 01 405 6777

• Site
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Tel (+353) 01 405 6777

Tel (+353) 01 405 6777

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Fax (+353) 01 4136932

Fax (+353) 01 4136932

Fax (+353) 01 4136932

Fax (+353) 01 413 6932

Cross Technical Solutions Ltd.

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Utilising
the
most
energy
efficient
technologies
and
 assisting
our
clients
to
be
fully
compliant
with
the
current
 legislative
and
environmental
guidelines.
We
provide
a
 complete
solution
of
Mechanical
Equipment,
Fire
Rated
 
wealth
of
application
knowledge
to
our

With
a
vast
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of
the
refrigeration
industry
and
 the
Pharmaceutical
sector
in
particular,
we
are
the
first
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for
our
large
client
base
when
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comes
to
servicing,
 equipment

from
large
capacity
chillers
to
medical
storage

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

jmcgrath@ctsolutions.org www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

PRODUCTS
&
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jmcgrath@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

jmcgrath@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

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jmcgrath@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

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9/10 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

• Monitoring
Systems

PRODUCTS
&
SERVICES

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Site
survey
&
system

recommendation

• Monitoring
Systems

• Monitoring
Systems

Co. Dublin - Ireland

• Monitoring
Systems

• Supply,
installation
&
commissioning

• Site
survey
&
system

recommendation

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

Tel (+353) 01 405 6777

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Plant
service
and
maintenance

• Supply,
installation
&
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• Project
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Fax (+353) 01 4136932

• Project
management

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jmcgrath@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

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www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

• Energy
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We
can
provide
the
best
tailor
made
cooling
 sales@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

We
can
provide
the
best
tailor
made
cooling
 sales@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

With
a
vast
knowledge
of
the
refrigeration
industry
and
 the
Pharmaceutical
sector
in
particular,
we
are
the
first
 choice
for
our
large
client
base
when
it
comes
to
servicing,
 equipment

from
large
capacity
chillers
to
medical
storage

With
a
vast
knowledge
of
the
refrigeration
industry
and
 the
Pharmaceutical
sector
in
particular,
we
are
the
first
 choice
for
our
large
client
base
when
it
comes
to
servicing,
 equipment

from
large
capacity
chillers
to
medical
storage

With
a
vast
knowledge
of
the
refrigeration
industry
and
 the
Pharmaceutical
sector
in
particular,
we
are
the
first
 choice
for
our
large
client
base
when
it
comes
to
servicing,
 types
refrigeration
 equipment

from
large
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chillers
to
medical
storage

sales@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie www.crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

We
can
provide
the
best
tailor
made
cooling
 solution
to
suit
your
requirements Cookstown,
Tallaght,
Dublin
24 Co.
Dublin
‐
Ireland

Co.
Dublin
‐
Ireland

Tel
(+353)
01
405
6777 Fax
(+353)
01
4136932

sales@crosstechnicalsolutions.ie

Tel
(+353)
01
405
6777

Enterprise Ireland Unveils New Strategy

‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally’ is the title of Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy for 2025-2029.

Enterprise Ireland recently unveiled its strategic plan for 2025-2029, focusing on enhancing sustainable business growth, employment, and innovation in the Irish economy.

Enterprise Ireland's new strategy aims to support Irish businesses in achieving sustainable growth and international competitiveness. The focus is on innovation, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

The strategy, titled ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally’, targets 1,000 new start-ups by 2029. Goals include a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a 3% annual increase in productivity. The aim is to support 1,700 new first-time Irish-owned exporters over the five-year period. The overarching goal is to achieve 275,000 jobs and €50 billion in export sales by 2029.

leadership and management. Enterprise Ireland aims to enhance capabilities through targeted training and support programmes. They also plan to strengthen the connections within the enterprise and innovation ecosystem to foster collaboration and growth. This includes enhancing linkages between businesses, research institutions, and government agencies, including investing in innovation hubs and research centres to support enterprise development.

Commitment to sustainability

Enterprise Ireland is dedicated to enhancing the innovation capacity of Irish enterprises, while promoting sustainability. This commitment is crucial for long-term economic resilience.

The strategy includes a €2.2 billion investment in research, development, and innovation (RD&I) by 2029. The focus is on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing sustainable practices. Enterprise Ireland aims to strengthen skills and talent within the workforce to support innovation. The strategy emphasises collaboration with Government and stakeholders to achieve broader national priorities.

Refreshed client relationship model

Enterprise Ireland plans to work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the success of Irish businesses and the economy. A refreshed client relationship model will be implemented to enhance support.

The new strategy will utilise six levers: Funding Ambition, Igniting Innovation, Embracing Sustainability, Strengthening Skills, Maximising Global Opportunity, and Driving Performance.

The focus will be on delivering value for money and positive impacts on sustainable economic development. The aim is to set new records across all metrics, enhancing the overall economic landscape of Ireland.

Supporting businesses

Enterprise Ireland is committed to fostering innovative start-ups that can drive long-term sustainable growth and job creation across Ireland. The agency aims to provide necessary funding and support to help these businesses thrive. The strategy sets out plans for 1,000 new start-ups targeted for support from 2025 to 2029. They promise increased investment in pre-seed and early-stage start-ups in sectors like AI, healthcare, and sustainability, as well as the development of a National Accelerator

Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally

Enterprise Ireland’s strategic plan for 20252029: ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally’. Strategy 2025 - 2029

Programme to assist ambitious entrepreneurs. There will be a special focus on intellectual property (IP) protection and innovation hubs to support start-up growth.

Enterprise Ireland is also seeking to increase the number of large, internationally successful Irish companies that can drive economic growth, with a plan to have 150 large exporting companies with over 250 employees by 2029. To help achieve this goal, they will establish an Enterprise Scaling Fund to support scaling companies, and will also provide enhanced access to global investment partners through international offices.

Strengthening skills and the innovation ecosystem

The development of skills and talent is crucial for the success of Irish businesses, particularly in

Sustainability and climate action are also key concerns, with EI focused on supporting Irish businesses in their transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy. The agency aims to lead initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation, with a commitment to 35% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030, as well as support for businesses to embed sustainability in their strategies and operations, and the development of a National Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence to promote offshore wind initiatives.

For more information, visit www.enterprise-ireland.com

What Pay Transparency Rules Mean for You

Navigating the updates on gender pay gap reporting and pay transparency at national and EU level.

Gender pay gap reporting is not a novel concept, as large employers have been subject to these requirements since 2022. However, 2025 saw the threshold for being reduced to include organisations with 50 or more employees, making it relevant to significantly more business owners than before.

Many employers are already very familiar with the process for preparing their gender pay gap reports. For others, it is something that they are only getting to grips with this year, and it can be a daunting task to take on. With a new online pay gap reporting portal expected to be launched by the Irish government in autumn this year, reports will also soon be fully searchable and more easily compared with other organisations by members of the public, thereby drawing further attention to the issue for employers.

Irish law requires employers to report their gender pay gap under a number of headings each year, along with the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.

The key gender pay gap statistics which employers are required to report on include:

• mean and median pay gaps;

• mean and median bonus gaps;

• the proportion of men and women that received bonuses;

• the proportion of men and women that received benefits in kind (BIK);

• the proportion of men and women in each of four equally sized quartiles.

These statistics must be contained in a report published no later than five months after the ‘snapshot date’, which can be any date in June that an employer chooses. Previously, employers had six months until December to publish their reports, but this year saw the reporting deadline being brought forward to November.

The Irish gender pay gap reporting regulations set out in detail the process for calculating the data required for the reports and they are supplemented by a Guidance Note on “How to calculate gender pay gap metrics” and “FAQs for employers”, both published by the Government.

The Regulations were updated with effect from May 31, 2024, which provided some clarifications, including an update to the formula

EMPLOYMENT LAW

used to calculate an employee’s working hours, a new definition of Basic Pay, which means that share options and interests in shares are now treated as BIK, rather than bonus remuneration, as well as clarification on reporting of pay for those employees on maternity, paternity, adoptive or parent’s leave.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive

While the EU Pay Transparency Directive was passed at EU level in June 2023, Member States, including Ireland, have until June 7, 2026, before it must be implemented. Alongside requiring employers to report in far more detail on gender pay disparities, the Directive also grants employees important new rights to information about pay, which for the most part will apply to all employers, regardless of size.

Employers need to start identifying and investigating pay gaps and areas where they could be exposed to allegations of bias or discrimination.

The Directive will require employers to report on gender pay gaps between “categories of workers” broken down by basic and variable pay. It will also introduce changes to the consequences arising from reporting and impose more onerous obligations on employers. For instance, where there is a gender pay gap of 5% or more between male and female workers in a category, and this cannot be objectively justified on a gender-neutral basis, and the unjustified difference has not been rectified within six months, it triggers a ‘joint pay assessment’. This will require the employer to cooperate with worker representatives to analyse the pay differences, the reasons behind them, and the effectiveness of measures to address the differences. The employer must also remedy the differences within a ‘reasonable’ period.

The Directive will also require the accuracy of pay gaps to be confirmed by an employer’s management, with employee representatives being given an opportunity to interrogate the methodology used. As such, we can expect to see a bigger role for employee representatives in the reporting process overall.

Irish law requires employers to report their gender pay gap under a number of headings each year, along with the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.

Other pay transparency measures

The Directive also contains other pay transparency measures to allow employees to have more information about pay, both before and during employment, which will apply to all employers, regardless of size. The new rights for employees include:

• Pay transparency for job-seekers - in job vacancy notices or before job interviews, employers will have to disclose the initial pay level or range for the position.

• Ban on asking about pay history - employers will be prohibited from asking job candidates about their pay history, including their existing salary.

• Right to pay information for employees - employees will have the right to request information from their employer on their individual pay level and on the average pay levels, broken down by gender, for categories of workers doing the same work or work of equal value.

• No ban on pay disclosures - employees should not be prevented from disclosing their pay to others for the purpose of enforcing the principle of equal pay, and clauses which prohibit employees from this type of disclosure will no longer be permitted.

Draft legislation in Ireland

On January 15, 2025, the Irish Government published a General Scheme of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, which includes two provisions aimed at enhancing transparency prior to employment and transposing Article 5 of the EU Pay Transparency Directive.

The first measure proposed in the Bill requires employers to provide information about remuneration levels or ranges in job advertisements. This goes slightly further than the Directive, which does not state that this information must be published on the advert, but it is something that a candidate is entitled to ask for at any stage during the recruitment process.

The second measure proposed in the draft Bill is that employers are prohibited from enquiring about job applicants’ previous pay or their current pay rates, in accordance with the Directive. This measure aims to prevent employers from continuing a practice which results in pay discrimination (even where it may have started elsewhere).

A few EU Member States have published their proposals on the implementation of the Directive with varied approaches. It is important for organisations with operations in different countries to keep on top of the differences in proposals in each Member State.

In the meantime, employers need to start identifying and investigating pay gaps and areas where they could be exposed to allegations of bias or discrimination to prepare for the new legislation, with most commentators advising that these issues are addressed now at an industry level, if possible, to get ahead of what’s required.

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