The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the “Greener Pharmaceuticals’ Regulatory Highway” initiative, urging the global pharmaceutical industry to adopt sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety and efficacy standards. The initiative, led by WHO’s Department of Regulation and Prequalification, addresses the healthcare sector’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions, estimated at 5%.
The initiative proposes key measures, including establishing sustainable manufacturing and packaging standards, enhancing regulatory capacity through digitisation—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—and fostering collaboration between regulators and manufacturers to expedite eco-friendly innovations.
“Addressing the environmental impact of healthcare products is no longer optional – it is imperative. The transformation of regulatory practices will be pivotal in shaping a pharmaceutical industry that meets today’s health needs without compromising the planet’s future,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
The WHO emphasises that cleaner production techniques, renewable energy integration, and transparent supply chain practices can significantly mitigate the environmental footprint of the pharmaceutical sector. These recommendations align with global agreements such as the COP28 Declaration and the WHO Global Strategy on Health, Environment, and Climate Change.
Recent findings, including Unitaid’s 2023 report, highlight the urgent need for sustainability-focused research in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and manufacturing. The report revealed that up to 95% of greenhouse gas emissions for select medicines arise from raw material acquisition and production processes.
“Health systems must lead by example to align with sustainability goals,” said Dr Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification. “This initiative is a pivotal step toward a greener, healthier future.”
WHO plans to develop a comprehensive white paper on sustainable regulatory practices, to be presented at a global summit in late 2025. The summit will gather stakeholders from public health, regulatory bodies, the pharmaceutical industry, and procurement agencies to advance sustainability efforts across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
