On March 9, 2025, at PharmagoraPlus, a roundtable discussion featuring Luc Cousin (Head of Ecological Transition – ANEPF), Luc Besançon (Executive Director – NèreS), Nathalie Gimenes (President & Founder – Be-Concerned), Alexandra Gaertner (Practitioner in Boofzheim and Head of Training Programs – FSPF), and Clara Mourgues (Project Manager for Ecological Planning of the Healthcare System – DGOS) examined the topic of “green pharmacies and commitment.”

This discussion gave attendees a comprehensive overview of the challenges and ongoing initiatives aimed at making the pharmaceutical sector more environmentally friendly. It is essential that pharmacies become key players in the green transition—and this is possible while ensuring the quality of care—here are five key takeaways from this roundtable discussion.

 

 

The Urgency of Decarbonizing the Pharmaceutical Sector

Right from the start, the speakers emphasized the critical importance of reducing the healthcare system’s carbon footprint, particularly that of the pharmacy sector. In France, the healthcare sector accounts for approximately 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, half of which come from healthcare products, notably medications and medical devices. As Luc Cousin pointed out: not only is the healthcare sector responsible for climate change, it is also one of the first victims of global warming, since global warming directly affects patients’ health and the effectiveness of the healthcare system. “It is truly important to be able to decarbonize medicines and the healthcare system as a whole.”

 

 

Concrete actions and quantifiable goals

During the first part of the roundtable discussion, Luc Besançon outlined the main aspects of the industry’s efforts. He noted that pharmaceutical companies have already taken voluntary steps to reduce their environmental impact. Three major areas stand out: reducing packaging, lowering the carbon footprint (particularly through energy optimization in factories and responsible sourcing), and formalizing sector-wide commitments through charters. For example, some pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in innovation to offer less polluting alternatives, such as eco-friendly propellants for inhalers. These efforts are part of quantified goals, such as a 50% reduction in direct and indirect emissions by 2030.

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the Heart of Strategies

CSR is now an essential pillar of pharmaceutical companies’ strategies. Community pharmacies are also playing an increasingly important role in the transition toward a more sustainable pharmacy sector. As Alexandra Gaertner said, “I would say that pharmacists had already been committed for a very long time, but on an individual basis; it is ultimately the agreement signed in March 2022 that will mark the beginning of a collective commitment …[and] that effectively recognizes pharmacists’ commitment to the CSR system. ” Aware of their key role within the healthcare system, they are expanding initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. Among the actions already in place are the phased elimination of paper bags in favor of reusable bags, a commitment to eco-friendly practices, and the selection of suppliers who share values of environmental responsibility. Pharmacies are also involved in the collection and recycling of unused medications and medical devices such as injection pens, while ensuring the safety of their staff.

Finally, the implementation of self-assessment questionnaires, the appointment of CSR officers within the teams, and the adaptation of dispensing practices demonstrate a collective commitment to continuously improving the pharmacy’s environmental footprint.

 

 

The Challenges of Communication and Highlighting Efforts

Despite the progress made, communicating about environmental commitments remains a complex challenge. Regulatory constraints limit companies’ ability to promote their initiatives to healthcare professionals and the general public. Furthermore, the lack of standardized metrics makes it difficult to compare different stakeholders. The speakers emphasized the need to develop harmonized reporting tools and enhance transparency to prevent greenwashing and encourage best practices.

 

Waste, Circularity, and New Economic Models

Finally, the discussion highlighted the scale of medication waste, estimated at 8,500 tons in 2023. Single-dose dispensing, addressing shortages, and developing recycling systems are all key strategies for improving circularity and reducing the sector’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, raising patient awareness about appropriate medication use and reducing waste is now an integral part of the pharmacy’s mission.

The speakers also discussed the need to rethink business models, placing greater emphasis on user experience and prevention rather than sales volume.

In conclusion, the pharmaceutical sector’s green transition is underway, but it requires collective action, better coordination among stakeholders, and changes to regulatory and economic frameworks to accelerate the shift.

It is no longer just a matter of limiting carbon emissions, but of taking into account the full range of environmental, social, and economic impacts of healthcare products.

 

To watch the recordings of the talks, visit our mobile app*!

*Replays are available only to 2025 participants.