Climate-neutral manufacturing is not just a sustainability goal, it is a strategic imperative. It is important to embrace this shift early and recognize an opportunity to lead rather than follow.
Merck has been proactive in connecting the strategic dots across sustainability, innovation, and business growth, positioning sustainability not as a mandate but as a source of competitive advantage. Regulators are embedding decarbonization into policy, creating both compliance pressures and opportunities. As both customers and regulators demand lower emissions, companies that advance greener products and processes gain a competitive edge, building supply chain resilience, mitigating climate risks and attracting top scientific talent committed to sustainability.
Our first Scope 1 and 2 climate-neutral manufacturing facility in Blarney, Ireland, is proof that sustainability and innovation can coexist. It operates on renewable electricity (sourced locally through a Power Purchase Agreement, and covering all operations at the site) while reusing more than 95 percent of the purified water used in manufacturing. The facility supports global demand for critical filtration products used in the manufacturing of vaccines and life-saving therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, and emerging modalities like cell and gene therapies. The facility marks a significant step towards the company’s commitment to achieving a 50 percent reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions, and 52 percent per Euro value added in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2020 baselines) and climate neutrality by 2040.
However, transitioning to climate-neutral operations is not easy. It requires cultural change, capital investment, and supply chain transparency. Many companies struggle to measure their emissions accurately or align their suppliers with sustainability goals. Long-term thinking, such as evaluating the total cost of ownership, will help build for the future. I also recommend leadership commitment and a willingness to change the status quo.
First of all, it's crucial to remember that sustainability is not an add-on. It is a strategic and customer-centric approach to innovation. By aligning environmental progress with customer needs, the solutions can contribute to scientific advancement and to the long-term goals of customers.
Embedding sustainability using proprietary frameworks can meet customer expectations, advance suppliers progress, and minimize scientific impact.
A company's carbon footprint extends far beyond its own facilities, and a low-carbon, efficient supply network is critical for scalable climate neutrality. This can mean partnering with responsible suppliers and increasingly supporting them in adopting sustainable practices, sharing knowledge and resources, and working collaboratively to reduce environmental impact. Sustainability Toolkits can guide suppliers in integrating sustainable practices that lower their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Transparently monitoring and reporting on progress towards sustainability goals is key to maintaining accountability and identifying areas for improvement. Hold rigorous discussions on the targets, steps, and interdependencies needed to achieve your goals. Develop living roadmaps that outline actions, milestones, and progress to drive transparency, accountability, and agility along the journey.
Climate-neutral manufacturing is about building resilient, future-ready operations that serve both science and society. The life science industry has the tools, talent, and urgency to lead this transformation. What is needed across the industry is the willingness to invest, innovate and collaborate.
Newsletters
Receive the latest pharmaceutical news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.
