GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Pharmaceutical Industry Statistics

Pharma industry is investing heavily in sustainability, aiming for 2030 goals

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

About 35% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented sustainability KPIs in their executive compensation schemes

Statistic 2

Over 80% of pharmaceutical firms have adopted digital tools to monitor and improve sustainability performance

Statistic 3

The adoption of energy-efficient manufacturing technologies has increased by roughly 30% in the past five years

Statistic 4

40% of pharmaceutical companies participate in some form of climate risk assessment or scenario planning

Statistic 5

Bio-based manufacturing processes are being adopted by approximately 35% of pharmaceutical manufacturers

Statistic 6

Over 60% of pharma companies report implementing some form of energy management system

Statistic 7

55% of pharma firms are actively involved in sustainable innovation partnerships with startups and NGOs

Statistic 8

The deployment of IoT sensors in pharma manufacturing plants has increased by 30% to monitor environmental conditions

Statistic 9

Sustainable transportation options account for 28% of pharma distribution strategies

Statistic 10

The global market for sustainable pharma packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030

Statistic 11

The global market for eco-friendly pharmaceuticals is expected to reach $45 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Statistic 12

Over 60% of pharmaceutical companies have set measurable sustainability goals for 2030

Statistic 13

The pharmaceutical industry accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 14

About 70% of pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing in renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint

Statistic 15

Pharmaceuticals lead the healthcare sector in waste generation, producing over 1 million tons annually

Statistic 16

55% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions

Statistic 17

Only 25% of pharma companies report comprehensive sustainability performance data publicly

Statistic 18

The use of green chemistry principles in pharmaceutical manufacturing has increased by 40% over the last five years

Statistic 19

80% of pharmaceutical companies see sustainability as a driver for innovation

Statistic 20

Less than 20% of pharma companies have fully integrated circular economy practices into their operations

Statistic 21

The global pharmaceutical industry is projected to spend over $15 billion annually on sustainability initiatives by 2025

Statistic 22

65% of pharmaceutical companies have established sustainability committees at the executive level

Statistic 23

The use of blockchain technology in pharma supply chains to enhance sustainability is growing at a CAGR of 25%

Statistic 24

Over 50% of pharma companies report reducing water usage in their manufacturing processes over the past three years

Statistic 25

Approximately 45% of pharmaceutical companies are exploring green logistics solutions, such as electric vehicles, to decrease transportation emissions

Statistic 26

35% of pharmaceuticals are now developing or using biodegradable active ingredients

Statistic 27

The pharmaceutical sector is responsible for about 10% of the total waste from the healthcare industry

Statistic 28

90% of pharma companies recognize climate change as a critical threat to global health

Statistic 29

Sustainable sourcing of raw materials is a priority for 75% of pharmaceutical companies

Statistic 30

Only about 15% of pharmaceutical production sites are currently certified as environmentally sustainable or green-certified

Statistic 31

Approximately 28% of pharma companies have specific targets for reducing plastic use across their supply chain

Statistic 32

The reuse and recycling of pharmaceutical containers have increased by 20% annually in recent years

Statistic 33

65% of pharmaceutical organizations have initiated efforts to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their supply chains

Statistic 34

The use of upcycling waste into active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is being piloted by 25% of companies

Statistic 35

Investment in green infrastructure (such as green roofs and solar panels) by pharma companies has doubled over the past three years

Statistic 36

50% of pharmaceuticals are now being produced with an emphasis on reducing emissions across the entire value chain

Statistic 37

Over 70% of pharma companies have committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 or earlier

Statistic 38

The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for about 2 billion pounds of plastic waste annually

Statistic 39

Digital twin technology adoption in pharma manufacturing is expected to increase by 22% annually, improving sustainability tracking

Statistic 40

The majority of pharmaceutical businesses report an increase in employee awareness and training related to sustainability, reaching over 75% participation

Statistic 41

Approximately 40% of pharmaceutical companies are adopting water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems

Statistic 42

Only 18% of pharma companies report having comprehensive sustainability management systems aligned with global standards

Statistic 43

The pharmaceutical industry’s investments in sustainability R&D have increased by 15% over the past three years

Statistic 44

45% of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies are collaborating on sustainability initiatives

Statistic 45

20% of pharmaceutical companies conduct lifecycle assessments to evaluate environmental impacts of their products

Statistic 46

Small-scale pilot programs incorporating sustainable practices have increased by 50% in pharma R&D departments over the past five years

Statistic 47

The global pharmaceutical industry’s water footprint is estimated at 1.4 trillion liters annually

Statistic 48

40% of large pharma companies have made commitments to phase out single-use plastics by 2025

Statistic 49

30% of pharmaceutical companies have adopted eco-design principles to reduce environmental impact of their products

Statistic 50

The number of eco-label certified pharmaceuticals has grown by 25% over the last three years

Statistic 51

Approximately 12% of pharma manufacturing sites have achieved ISO 14001 environmental management certification

Statistic 52

Around 45% of pharma companies are integrating sustainability into their supply chain risk management processes

Statistic 53

The adoption of biodegradable polymers in drug delivery systems has increased by 40% since 2018

Statistic 54

Investment in nature-based solutions (such as reforestation) by pharma companies has grown annually by 10%

Statistic 55

25% of pharmaceutical companies are actively engaged in carbon offset programs to neutralize their emissions

Statistic 56

Over 50% of pharma companies are involved in sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards

Statistic 57

The average reduction in energy consumption per facility due to sustainability initiatives is around 18%

Statistic 58

65% of pharmaceutical companies have set targets for zero waste to landfill by 2030

Statistic 59

The renewable energy share in pharmaceutical manufacturing energy consumption has increased from 10% in 2017 to 25% in 2023

Statistic 60

Approximately 35% of pharma companies have incorporated sustainability into their product lifecycle and design process

Statistic 61

The use of eco-friendly solvents in pharma synthesis increased by 45% over the past five years

Statistic 62

Over 55% of pharmaceutical companies have established sustainability KPIs linked to their corporate strategic objectives

Statistic 63

20% of pharma companies have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050

Statistic 64

The proportion of biodegradable active ingredients in new pharmaceuticals has increased by 30% since 2019

Statistic 65

Pharmaceutical waste diversion programs have increased by 20% in the last three years, reducing landfill disposal

Statistic 66

Over 40% of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities report implementing water efficiency projects

Statistic 67

Approximately 60% of pharma firms evaluate the lifecycle carbon footprint of their products

Statistic 68

The share of renewable resources used in raw material sourcing increased by 20% from 2018 to 2023

Statistic 69

15% of pharma companies are pioneering zero-waste manufacturing processes.

Statistic 70

78% of pharmaceutical companies have reported increasing investments in sustainability-compatible infrastructure

Statistic 71

About 65% of pharma companies are participating in industry-wide sustainability initiatives, such as responsible supply chain commitments

Slide 1 of 71

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Over 60% of pharmaceutical companies have set measurable sustainability goals for 2030
The pharmaceutical industry accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions
About 70% of pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing in renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint
Pharmaceuticals lead the healthcare sector in waste generation, producing over 1 million tons annually
55% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions
Only 25% of pharma companies report comprehensive sustainability performance data publicly
The use of green chemistry principles in pharmaceutical manufacturing has increased by 40% over the last five years
80% of pharmaceutical companies see sustainability as a driver for innovation
Less than 20% of pharma companies have fully integrated circular economy practices into their operations
The global pharmaceutical industry is projected to spend over $15 billion annually on sustainability initiatives by 2025
65% of pharmaceutical companies have established sustainability committees at the executive level
The use of blockchain technology in pharma supply chains to enhance sustainability is growing at a CAGR of 25%
Over 50% of pharma companies report reducing water usage in their manufacturing processes over the past three years

The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly transforming itself into a greener and more sustainable sector, with over 60% of companies setting measurable goals for 2030, investing billions annually, and pioneering innovations like green chemistry and biodegradable ingredients amid pressing environmental challenges.

Corporate Strategies and Participations

About 35% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented sustainability KPIs in their executive compensation schemes

Corporate Strategies and Participations Interpretation

While only about a third of pharma giants tie sustainability to executive pay, this cautious step hints at a burgeoning acknowledgment that health of the planet and health of profits are increasingly intertwined.

Industry Adoption and Implementation of Technologies

Over 80% of pharmaceutical firms have adopted digital tools to monitor and improve sustainability performance
The adoption of energy-efficient manufacturing technologies has increased by roughly 30% in the past five years
40% of pharmaceutical companies participate in some form of climate risk assessment or scenario planning
Bio-based manufacturing processes are being adopted by approximately 35% of pharmaceutical manufacturers
Over 60% of pharma companies report implementing some form of energy management system
55% of pharma firms are actively involved in sustainable innovation partnerships with startups and NGOs
The deployment of IoT sensors in pharma manufacturing plants has increased by 30% to monitor environmental conditions
Sustainable transportation options account for 28% of pharma distribution strategies

Industry Adoption and Implementation of Technologies Interpretation

With over 80% of pharmaceutical companies embracing digital tools for sustainability and nearly half engaging in climate risk assessments, the industry is waking up to the fact that tomorrow’s health demands today’s eco-conscious innovations—though there’s still room for growth in renewable logistics.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The global market for sustainable pharma packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030
The global market for eco-friendly pharmaceuticals is expected to reach $45 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

As the pharmaceutical industry shifts towards greener horizons, with sustainable packaging booming at an 8% CAGR and eco-friendly pharmaceuticals projected to hit $45 billion by 2028 at a 12% growth rate, it's clear that medicine's future is not just about curing disease but also saving the planet.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Over 60% of pharmaceutical companies have set measurable sustainability goals for 2030
The pharmaceutical industry accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions
About 70% of pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing in renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint
Pharmaceuticals lead the healthcare sector in waste generation, producing over 1 million tons annually
55% of pharmaceutical companies have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions
Only 25% of pharma companies report comprehensive sustainability performance data publicly
The use of green chemistry principles in pharmaceutical manufacturing has increased by 40% over the last five years
80% of pharmaceutical companies see sustainability as a driver for innovation
Less than 20% of pharma companies have fully integrated circular economy practices into their operations
The global pharmaceutical industry is projected to spend over $15 billion annually on sustainability initiatives by 2025
65% of pharmaceutical companies have established sustainability committees at the executive level
The use of blockchain technology in pharma supply chains to enhance sustainability is growing at a CAGR of 25%
Over 50% of pharma companies report reducing water usage in their manufacturing processes over the past three years
Approximately 45% of pharmaceutical companies are exploring green logistics solutions, such as electric vehicles, to decrease transportation emissions
35% of pharmaceuticals are now developing or using biodegradable active ingredients
The pharmaceutical sector is responsible for about 10% of the total waste from the healthcare industry
90% of pharma companies recognize climate change as a critical threat to global health
Sustainable sourcing of raw materials is a priority for 75% of pharmaceutical companies
Only about 15% of pharmaceutical production sites are currently certified as environmentally sustainable or green-certified
Approximately 28% of pharma companies have specific targets for reducing plastic use across their supply chain
The reuse and recycling of pharmaceutical containers have increased by 20% annually in recent years
65% of pharmaceutical organizations have initiated efforts to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their supply chains
The use of upcycling waste into active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is being piloted by 25% of companies
Investment in green infrastructure (such as green roofs and solar panels) by pharma companies has doubled over the past three years
50% of pharmaceuticals are now being produced with an emphasis on reducing emissions across the entire value chain
Over 70% of pharma companies have committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 or earlier
The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for about 2 billion pounds of plastic waste annually
Digital twin technology adoption in pharma manufacturing is expected to increase by 22% annually, improving sustainability tracking
The majority of pharmaceutical businesses report an increase in employee awareness and training related to sustainability, reaching over 75% participation
Approximately 40% of pharmaceutical companies are adopting water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems
Only 18% of pharma companies report having comprehensive sustainability management systems aligned with global standards
The pharmaceutical industry’s investments in sustainability R&D have increased by 15% over the past three years
45% of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies are collaborating on sustainability initiatives
20% of pharmaceutical companies conduct lifecycle assessments to evaluate environmental impacts of their products
Small-scale pilot programs incorporating sustainable practices have increased by 50% in pharma R&D departments over the past five years
The global pharmaceutical industry’s water footprint is estimated at 1.4 trillion liters annually
40% of large pharma companies have made commitments to phase out single-use plastics by 2025
30% of pharmaceutical companies have adopted eco-design principles to reduce environmental impact of their products
The number of eco-label certified pharmaceuticals has grown by 25% over the last three years
Approximately 12% of pharma manufacturing sites have achieved ISO 14001 environmental management certification
Around 45% of pharma companies are integrating sustainability into their supply chain risk management processes
The adoption of biodegradable polymers in drug delivery systems has increased by 40% since 2018
Investment in nature-based solutions (such as reforestation) by pharma companies has grown annually by 10%
25% of pharmaceutical companies are actively engaged in carbon offset programs to neutralize their emissions
Over 50% of pharma companies are involved in sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards
The average reduction in energy consumption per facility due to sustainability initiatives is around 18%
65% of pharmaceutical companies have set targets for zero waste to landfill by 2030
The renewable energy share in pharmaceutical manufacturing energy consumption has increased from 10% in 2017 to 25% in 2023
Approximately 35% of pharma companies have incorporated sustainability into their product lifecycle and design process
The use of eco-friendly solvents in pharma synthesis increased by 45% over the past five years
Over 55% of pharmaceutical companies have established sustainability KPIs linked to their corporate strategic objectives
20% of pharma companies have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
The proportion of biodegradable active ingredients in new pharmaceuticals has increased by 30% since 2019
Pharmaceutical waste diversion programs have increased by 20% in the last three years, reducing landfill disposal
Over 40% of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities report implementing water efficiency projects
Approximately 60% of pharma firms evaluate the lifecycle carbon footprint of their products
The share of renewable resources used in raw material sourcing increased by 20% from 2018 to 2023
15% of pharma companies are pioneering zero-waste manufacturing processes.
78% of pharmaceutical companies have reported increasing investments in sustainability-compatible infrastructure
About 65% of pharma companies are participating in industry-wide sustainability initiatives, such as responsible supply chain commitments

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives Interpretation

While over 70% of pharma firms are investing in renewables and nearly two-thirds have devised concrete sustainability targets for 2030, the sector still grapples with significant waste, water, and chemical impacts—highlighting that, amidst progress, pharmaceutical sustainability remains a complex prescription requiring continued innovation, transparency, and a commitment to truly green operations.