GREEN PHARMA
and requires complicated chemical processes that generate significant amounts of waste. Optimizing the production process to increase yield and minimize waste will undoubtedly increase profits and save carbon. Product Use Phase GlaxoSmithKline revealed in its 2010 Sustainability Report that an estimated 40% of its overall carbon footprint comes from indirect emissions resulting from the use phase of its products, such as propellants in inhalers. This highlights that the use and disposal of pharmaceutical products can significantly affect emission reductions. Collaboration The industry is looking at more collaboration to source and refine raw materials. Although individually, pharmaceutical companies may procure a chemical ingredient at a lower volume than other industries, a collective approach to encourage suppliers to adopt less carbon‑intensive processes can affect change. Collaboration might also be an effective approach to tackle the regulatory red tape encountered when changing a product to a lower carbon design. Working with the NHS The UK NHS accounts for 4% of global pharmaceutical sales and a large proportion of UK investment. New technology and processes such as RFID tagging, use of two‑dimensional barcodes and new packaging techniques can help to optimize stock control, reduce wastage and improve logistics. These developments should also have a positive impact on the environmental footprint of healthcare and pharmaceutical products, as well as generating cost savings for the NHS. Expert Help The assessment of reducing carbon across a pharmaceutical value chain can be complex. It is important that the assessment meets the business aims of the company and adds value. Pharmaceutical companies should start evaluating this area now and seek expert guidance.
BUSINESS SHOWCASE Innovative Sample Storage Technologies Thermo Fisher Scientific brings you a complete range of sample storage products to give you peace of mind. • Assured storage and superior tube tracking - Thermo Scientific Nunc Cryobank Tubes are available in 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mL capacities, supplied in standard ANSI microplate footprint racks. A unique, laser etched 2D code allows superior sample tracking with sample management software. The Cryobank™ low binding surface allows maximum recovery of low concentration samples. • Perfect labels, time after time - The Thermo Scientific ID Scribe Labware Identifier permanently and legibly marks and color codes your storage tubes and general labware, preventing sample loss and misidentification from label misreads. The ID Scribe™ minimizes your sample handling time and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries from manual tube labeling. Visit www.thermoscientific.com/idscribe to see how Thermo Fisher Scientific can help give you peace of mind.
Measom Freer Goes Metric
Measom Freer has added 2 NEW sizes to its popular Metric bottle range, the 60ml and 1 Litre options are UK manufactured in clear PVC with other materials and colours available to order. The range now consists of 17 sizes ranging from 2.5 ml to I Litre, with Measom Freer also stocking a wide variety of caps, closures and pumps to complete the product. Whether you are looking for a dropper cap for reagents and samples, a screw cap bottle for specimen storage or a more functional gel/ spray pump for cleaning solutions , they have a huge variety of closures available from stock. Why not try our new ecommerce website where you can order direct from stock for a fast, efficient delivery. Contact their Sales Team to find out more about how these great value packaging products can enhance your brand image and shelf presence. In addition, their stock packaging has a minimum order quantity of just a single box which means minimal lead-times, optimising your cash flow and stock management. Tel +44 (0)116 2881588, Fax +44 (0)116 2813000, sales@measomfreer.co.uk or you can now buy online at www.measomfreer.co.uk
Conclusion The unique business model and intrinsically innovative nature of the pharmaceutical industry mean that it is a particularly complex sector for measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions. As expectations of customers increase, however, forward‑thinking pharmaceutical companies can genuinely differentiate their brand and products from the competition by reducing the carbon impact of their products.
For more information Dr Paul Taylor Consultant Carbon Trust Advisory Tel. +44 207 832 4802 www.carbontrust.com MAY/JUNE 2012
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