Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - (Page 30) 30 Last Word March 2008 Pharmaceutical Executive Europe Green is Good Graham Davy looks at how the current thirst for all things environmentally-friendly can be good not only for your CSR initiatives, but also for your business. hile the pharmaceutical industry leads many other business sectors when it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is one area in which the industry could further boost its credentials, while also enhancing internal procedures and processes for the good of staff and customers alike. The business world is becoming increasingly environmentally aware. If, 15 years ago, someone walked into any pharma boardroom and stated that organisations in the sector need to become more environmentally friendly or face consequences such as a damaged brand, loss of customers, suppliers and staff or even a reduction in share price, not many would have believed it. Today, these consequences are exactly the issues many organisations face, not just in the pharmaceutical industry but across a wide range of business sectors. The world of business is in the midst of a revolution — a green revolution — that means that the CSR commitment of a company is more important than ever. Distributors and retail partners are becoming more ‘green aware,’ and investors are becoming more discerning regarding a company’s environmental policies and impact before parting with their funds. Questions on environmental practices are already prevalent in contract negotiations and tenders. Staff and future employees are also demanding a hardworking green policy. Inevitably, many organisations will view environmental practices as an increased overhead and a draw on the bottom line. To hold onto this view is to miss the point. Embracing environmental CSR demonstrates to all stakeholders that the organisation is taking its brand and reputation seriously. Those who don’t hold this view will have to change their outlook rapidly: we have seen an increase in environmental legislation over the last few years, a trend that will only continue. The traditional business model of managing waste, for example, will have to change to that of a proactive strategy which reduces the waste an organisation produces. For many pharmaceutical companies, environmental commitment will just be a small part of a much bigger established CSR plan. Implemented correctly, a focused ‘green programme’ can deliver extremely significant benefits for both the reputation and the bottom line. And the introduction of new legislation can be a key driver of this. When the Packaging Waste Regulations were implemented to reduce the amount of packaging used in products, many companies W viewed the introduction as not only an opportunity to reduce their waste outputs but also as a catalyst to innovate and develop their products and packaging, streamline production processes, improve supply chain management systems, reduce their burden on the environment and improve their CSR. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive is the latest piece of EU legislation that could see European pharma bolstering its CSR credentials, while offering other benefits in other key business areas. Aimed at reducing Europe’s production of waste and hazardous materials, the directive has put the electronic recycling ball firmly in the court of the business community. Now, nothing with a plug attached can ever be thrown away to landfill. Yet, this shouldn’t be seen as a burden — regulations such as WEEE should be considered a commercial opportunity for the private sector. It can not only help companies improve their CSR outputs but also their processes, systems and customer experiences, and allow cost savings for the IT infrastructure. One such benefit of WEEE legislation comes via electronics recycling and asset recovery; for instance, old electronic equipment often has potential value, either as refurbished product or via materials recovery. Businesses need not throw old computers away after a two-year period. Companies need to understand the needs of their people and the way they work. For example, a pharmaceutical company director will require, invariably, a highly advanced laptop. After a few years, when that director upgrades to a new machine, the old laptop could be sent to a refurbisher, to be data-wiped and all required software re-installed. Asset recovery programmes such as this can triple the lifespan of an organisation’s IT infrastructure. Many commentators are still dismissive, viewing such activity as nothing more than paying ‘lip service’ to the environmental debate. But employing a recycling programme as part of a CSR programme can make a real and visible difference to pharmaceutical organisations who need to consider their burden on the environment. ■ About the Author Graham Davy is global chief executive of Sims Recycling Solutions. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1745440/444663/1106248/ http://www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/waste/topics/packaging/index.htm http://www.sims-group.com/global/home/default-std.asp
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 Contents From the Editor News and Analysis Brussels Report Calendar The Next Wave of Pharma Talent The New World Order Share of Voice to Share of Care Notes on a Meeting The Malta Story Motivation Across Borders The Mix No GUTs, No Global Green is Good Last Word Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 (Page 1) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 (Page 2) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Contents (Page 3) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - From the Editor (Page 4) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - From the Editor (Page 5) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - News and Analysis (Page 6) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - News and Analysis (Page 7) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Brussels Report (Page 8) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Brussels Report (Page 9) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Calendar (Page 10) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Calendar (Page 11) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Next Wave of Pharma Talent (Page 12) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Next Wave of Pharma Talent (Page 13) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Next Wave of Pharma Talent (Page 14) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The New World Order (Page 15) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The New World Order (Page 16) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The New World Order (Page 17) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Share of Voice to Share of Care (Page 18) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Share of Voice to Share of Care (Page 19) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Share of Voice to Share of Care (Page 20) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Notes on a Meeting (Page 21) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Notes on a Meeting (Page 22) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Notes on a Meeting (Page 23) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Malta Story (Page 24) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Malta Story (Page 25) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - The Mix (Page 26) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - No GUTs, No Global (Page 27) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - No GUTs, No Global (Page 28) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - No GUTs, No Global (Page 29) Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - March 2008 - Last Word (Page 30)
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