Materials Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Industry

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Sustainable materials development is becoming crucial in the pharmaceutical industry due to the significant environmental impacts of medications across their life cycle. While early production stages have seen efforts to minimize these effects, reducing environmental impacts from drug consumption and disposal remains challenging. Growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements are pressuring the industry to adopt sustainable practices. Material sustainability, which emphasizes responsible resource use and minimal environmental impact, is a key focus. Strategies include green chemistry principles to reduce hazardous substances and waste during drug development and manufacturing. Additionally, biodegradable materials and eco-friendly packaging designs are gaining traction to lessen landfill and ecosystem impacts. Despite progress, challenges such as complex regulatory frameworks and the need for stakeholder collaboration persist. This review examines materials sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting its shift toward environmentally responsible practices driven by innovation and regulation. It investigates current environmental initiatives, perspectives, and strategies to address environmental challenges. Achieving sustainability requires a holistic, integrated approach involving all aspects of the business, from supply chain management to product development. By prioritizing sustainability, the pharmaceutical industry can contribute to global climate goals, ensuring its resilience and long-term success.