We recognise that everything we do has an impact on the natural environment and on the people and communities within it. We are fully committed to looking for ways to reduce our impact in these areas to ensure a better future for all.
We continue to develop our environmental strategy including our response to climate change. From ongoing environmental improvements to our HQ building, to increasing the level of assurance around our supply chain, and the ethical and climate-related considerations which underpin these relationships, we’re committed to operating our business in a sustainable and responsible way.
We are constantly looking to evolve our supply chain to ensure that we can effectively source materials from more responsible suppliers, located closer to the markets in which we sell our products. We expect our suppliers to adhere to the same high standards that we aspire to and ensure their activities are conducted as far as possible in a manner that protects the environment and the resources being utilised.
Our material focus areas
Environmental impacts – supply chain & logistics
We are committed to reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts associated with our supply chain and logistics (warehousing and distribution) activities, including transportation of products by our distributors – all of which form part of our Scope 3 emissions.
Environmental impacts – our own operations
Whilst the environmental impact of the scope 1 & 2 emissions from our own operations is relatively low, and so not material to the longer-term sustainability of our business from a financial perspective, we seek to reduce them for the benefit of society as a whole.
Packaging lifecycle management
We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our product packaging, through reducing packaging volume/weight, increasing the use of recycled materials, and ensuring that as much of our packaging as possible is made from materials that can be recycled, reused and/or composted.
Product environmental H&S
We ensure that our products are made with environmentally friendly ingredients. We have a robust process in place to identify and manage emerging materials and chemicals of concern and are committed to identifying and eliminating any REACH substances of very high concern (SVHC) from our products.
Find out more in our Online Sustainability Report
Given the nature of our business, and our use of third-party distributors, contract manufacturers (CMOs) and logistics service providers (LSPs), the vast majority of our GHG emissions are classified as Scope 3.
In 2021, we quantified our Scope 3 GHG emissions for the first time (based on data for 2020). In addition to revealing the significance of the emissions linked to our supply chain and logistics activities, this exercise also revealed where opportunities may exist to try and improve the basis of measurement, particularly for Scope 3 emissions.
Over 80% of our total GHG emissions originate in our supply chain and logistics activities. We have subsequently worked with our partners to improve the quality of data used in the calculation of our Scope 3 emissions, and reduce the use of estimations. In 2023 we published our Scope 3 target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030 and reach net zero in 2044, relative to the 2022 baseline. In 2024 we will work to refine our carbon action plan, working closely with our partners.
Whilst the environmental impact of the Scope 1 & 2 emissions from our own operations is relatively low, and so not material to the longer-term sustainability of our business from a financial perspective, we seek to reduce and maintain levels for the benefit of society as a whole. In September 2022 we set our Scope 1& 2 target to reduce emissions by 65% by 2025 and to reach net zero by 2030, relative to a 2018 baseline. At 31 December 2023, we had achieved a 48% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions.
You can read more about our Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon reduction levels in our online TCFD report.
We recognise that single use plastics and packaging recyclability are an increasing concern for consumers. Unlike some consumer goods categories, where packaging changes can be implemented relatively quickly with limited hurdles, in the healthcare market, particularly with regards pharmaceutical products, any change in packaging materials cannot be made without a variation to the product license, which in the case of changes to primary packaging, requires the generation, submission and approval of supporting stability data.
We have a Sustainable Packaging programme team, working towards the reduction of single-use plastics and increasing the use of Post- Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials across our portfolio. Going forwards, all new product developments will require full consideration and review of packaging components to ensure the final presentation is aligned with the sustainability targets we set.
We are currently undertaking an extensive review of all our packaging componentry, across our portfolio and supply chain, to inform the development and focus of our sustainable packaging strategy with a view to establishing and communicating clear targets in this area.
Find out more in our Online Sustainability Report
We have recognised the impact of tackling climate change within our Principal Risks and Uncertainties and provide fuller disclosures in our voluntary Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report 2023.
Click here to download our 2023 Annual Report, which includes our partial TCFD disclosures