SustainCase: How Sanofi is reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals

Case study: How Sanofi is reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals


Pharmaceuticals found in the environment due to human activities, such as patients’ use of medicines, raise concerns about their potential impact on human health and the planet. As a global healthcare leader Sanofi has, accordingly, implemented safeguards at every stage in the life cycle of its products – from production to their use by patients.


Abstract


As a leading global healthcare company, working to improve the health and quality of life for people around the world, Sanofi is committed to limiting the discharge of pharmaceuticals into the environment and to increasing its knowledge in this area. After measuring and setting targets, Sanofi took action to analyze wastewater effluents and use state-of-the-art technologies to treat wastewater discharge at its sites, carry out environmental risk assessments, encourage and support the proper use of medicines – a patient education program in Brittany, France, organized in cooperation with local healthcare professionals enrolled more than 1,000 patients in 2014 – and, also, support take-back programs for the collection and safe disposal of unused medicines.


Using the GRI Standards in order to maintain and increase the value of your company


With each publication in this series the FBRH team will highlight one key impact identified by a company reporting in accordance with the GRI Standards and show how it has taken a structured, systematic approach to improving performance. With such positive action companies build trust, by dealing responsibly and conscientiously with their impact on the environment and on their stakeholders (e.g. clients, suppliers, shareholders, local communities, NGOs or local government). Stakeholders that can hold it back or stop it from reaching its objectives


By building trust your company creates loyalty and long-term commitment to its services and brands