Protecting the environment is something that involves all sectors of society. Fighting climate change and reducing pollution will help to guarantee a sustainable future. Strategies to minimize the environmental impact of greenhouse gases are essential. Every sector has a responsibility to optimize its processes and adopt environmentally friendly measures to contribute to the sustainability of the planet.

Within the pharmaceutical industry, logistics play a crucial role in the safe and efficient distribution of medicine. However, this process is energy intensive and has a considerable carbon footprint due to the need for specialized transportation, temperature control and storage of sensitive products. Given how essential medicine is to people’s health, it is essential to find solutions that reduce emissions without compromising the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. What actions can be taken?

• Use of electric and low-emission vehicles: logistics companies are incorporating electric or hybrid transport fleets to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. For example, some operators have introduced electric refrigerated trucks for transporting medicine that requires a cold chain.
• Optimization of logistics routes: the use of advanced software to plan efficient routes makes it possible to minimize distances traveled, reduce delivery times and consume less fuel. Technological solutions help calculate the most sustainable routes and avoid areas with heavy traffic.
• Use of environmentally friendly and reusable packaging: progress is being made by the industry in the development of recyclable and biodegradable packaging that maintains the safety of drugs without generating plastic waste. Some pharmaceutical warehouses already use reusable isothermal containers instead of polystyrene boxes.
• Energy-efficient warehouses: measures such as installing solar panels, LED lighting systems and refrigeration technologies with lower environmental impact are being implemented. Some pharmaceutical logistics centers, such as Pfizer’s in Germany, have been able to reduce their energy consumption by up to 40% thanks to these innovations.
• Collaboration with sustainable logistics operators: pharmaceutical companies are selecting logistics partners that comply with environmental certifications and use renewable energy in their processes. This ensures a greener supply chain aligned with European sustainability goals.
• Implementation of circular economy solutions: recovering and reusing logistics materials, such as pallets and packaging, prevents the generation of unnecessary waste. Companies in the sector have developed programs for returning pharmaceutical packaging for recycling or reuse for new shipments.

European sustainability regulations in relation to medicine logistics

The European Union has established various regulations to reduce the environmental impact of transport and logistics. The European Green Pact aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, which has led to the adoption of measures such as the CO2 Emissions Regulation for heavy duty vehicles and the Fit for 55 program, which establishes emission reduction targets for 2030. In addition, in the pharmaceutical sector, the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) regulations also include specific requirements to ensure efficient and sustainable transport of medicines.

At Airpharm we specialize in pharmaceutical logistics and actively work to reduce the environmental impact in the supply chain. With years of experience in the sector, we offer solutions adapted to the needs of the industry, prioritizing sustainability at every stage of the logistics process. We have implemented advanced cold chain control systems, we use low emission approved vehicles, and we work closely with the authorities to ensure compliance with all environmental regulations.