Environmental Considerations for Repackaging Drugs

Posted in: Helping Harry's Planet 18th February 2021

The typical laboratory consumes far more energy and water than the typical office building, but laboratories can adopt good environmental practices to reduce their levels of consumption and waste production. 

 

As explored in our most recent whitepaper, the pharma industry as a whole creates waste and pollution through multiple channels; from improper drug disposal to medication and operational waste. Pollution from these sources results in detrimental effects on the environment and public health and contributes to a significant amount of pollution by the industry.

All organisations within the pharma industry have a societal obligation to do what they can to alleviate the harm they do to the environment.

Laboratories are highly energy intensive organisations due to the use of vital specialised equipment, such as ventilation systems, as well as the hours of operation and the need for constant temperature and humidity control. Laboratories are also significant consumers of water, producers of waste and chemical emissions. Few clinical laboratories have plans in place to address this situation.

Yet real cost savings, as well as an improved environmental footprint, can be achieved if excessive consumption and waste production can be reduced significantly. The adoption of good environmental practices can eventually even lead to ISO 14000 certification; the standard for environmental management.

While laws on good environmental practices do exist, especially in regard to waste management, there is a need for laboratories to go beyond existing legislation to identify and reduce their environmental impact.

Underlying the application of good environmental practices are three basic principles to reduce, reuse and recycle materials – especially consumables. This could include, for instance, the adoption of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic bottles that are 100% recyclable, can be used to contain most liquids and are easy to store and handle without compromising laboratory safety.

For a laboratory to make a commitment to reduce its operational impact on the environment, setting achievable targets for the introduction of good environmental practices is advised – such as the reduction of energy and water consumption, consumables and waste generation, and the recycling of waste wherever possible. These goals could even be linked to cost reduction and should be reviewed regularly.

Many good environmental practices do not have an associated cost, but require a change in the culture and mind-set of the organisation. By developing and implementing a clear corporate environmental policy, the laboratory sets a statement of intent with the aim of instilling awareness and commitment to the cause across the organisation and beyond.

All components of the clinical laboratory supply chain should participate in the efforts to reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint. Suppliers in particular can play a key part in helping laboratories to adopt and apply good environmental practices. Some suppliers, like Valley Northern, are fully aware of the importance of good environmental practices for the laboratory and apply this knowledge throughout their sourcing, packing and delivery processes.

Speak to one of our Environmental Specialists today to find out how Valley Northern can help your laboratory reduce its operational impact on the environment with our range of sustainable products. We can even provide you with some tips on how to recycle consumables! Call us on 01785 250123 or email sales@valleynorthern.com.