Pioneering Sustainability in Antibiotics

In a world where sustainability is a critical focus for businesses, governments and consumers alike, Centrient Pharmaceuticals stands at the forefront, championing green practices in the pharmaceutical industry. In a recent conversation with us, Vikram Aditya Sehgal, Senior Director and Head of Finance and Mohit Dhamija, Global Head of Sustainability at Centrient Pharmaceuticals India, discussed the various initiatives taken by Centrient on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the company’s strategic approach to sustainability.

Centrient is a global leader in sustainable antibiotic production, specialising in enzymatic antibiotics, next-generation statins and antifungals. It manufactures both active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms (FDFs). As a founding member of the AMR Industry Alliance, it has been a leader in tackling AMR while minimising its own environmental impact. By achieving 100% PNEC (predicted no-effect concentration) compliance for wastewater discharge in 2022, it has ensured that neither its own operations nor those of its suppliers contribute to AMR. In collaboration with the British Standards Institute, Centrient developed a groundbreaking certification programme, with its Santa Perpetua site in Spain earning recognition under the AMR IA’s Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard in 2023. Further solidifying its commitment to sustainability, Centrient holds global ISO 14001:2015 certifications and has earned the EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating for four consecutive years.

A unified approach to drive sustainability …

Centrient’s sustainability strategy is driven by ambitious 2030 goals that are designed to integrate sustainability across every facet of its operations. Rather than a distant vision, this is a guiding framework that encompasses production, healthcare and environmental targets. It’s leadership plays a pivotal role in driving this commitment, ensuring sustainability is woven into the fabric of the organisation from the top down. By setting clear sustainability goals for 2030 and aligning every department with these objectives, Centrient ensures that sustainability is a shared responsibility across the organisation. Each team, whether finance, operations or R&D, understands how their contributions impact the company’s broader environmental and social goals.

But it does not stop there. Centrient’s strategy also incorporates a bottom-up approach where departments provide feedback and insights, ensuring that initiatives are practical and achievable. This collaborative dynamic helps foster innovation, with subject matter experts leading sustainability projects at the site level. Regular reviews of key performance indicators (KPIs) ensure continuous progress toward the set targets.

… and embed it in the company culture

For Centrient, sustainability is not just an add-on or a separate function, but a core value that is embedded into its culture and integrated into every employee’s role, regardless of the department to which they belong. This begins at the hiring process, where candidates are assessed not only on their technical expertise but also their alignment with the company’s sustainability goals. New hires undergo a comprehensive induction programme, emphasising the importance of sustainability and outlining the role of individuals in driving Centrient’s green initiatives. Sustainability is also a key metric in performance appraisals, ensuring that every member of the team remains committed to environmental and social goals throughout their journey at the company. This not only drives Centrient’s sustainability objectives but also fosters a sense of ownership, motivating employees to contribute actively to sustainable practices.

Investing in green tech and innovation

Centrient’s sustainability credentials are also evident in its investments in cutting-edge technologies, particularly its enzymatic production processes. While the initial investment in the system was significant, it has proven a cost-effective solution that minimises environmental impact, enhances the purity of Centrient’s products and creates a strong value proposition for customers. Increasingly, the company finds, American and European customers are willing to pay a premium for environmentally-friendly products that also, in this case, improve patient health.

Maintaining transparency with customers is key to managing the risks associated with green investments. Centrient regularly shares the long-term benefits of its enzymatic technology, reinforcing its commitment to both the planet and patient well-being. Open communication helps build trust with customers, positioning the company as a leader in this space. However, sustainability is not a one-way street – to work, it requires deep collaboration with customers and other stakeholders. This involves regularly sharing insights, obtaining feedback, aligning the concerned parties in terms of their sustainability goals and ensuring that customer needs and regulatory shifts are addressed in real time. A true partnership with customers has been crucial in building a strong case for sustainable pharmaceutical products, partivcularly at a premium price point.

Navigating challenges through collaboration

One of the biggest challenges in driving sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector is fast-evolving regulation. New frameworks and guidelines keep emerging, and companies need to stay ahead of the curve to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks. Centrient has taken a proactive approach to this area, closely monitoring changes and preparing for the future. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and regularly auditing its operations, it ensures that not only is it meeting the current regulatory requirements, but also that it is well-positioned to adapt to new challenges. This forward-thinking approach enables it to avoid being caught off-guard by unexpected regulatory shifts.

Key lessons for integrating sustainability

1. Leadership commitment and organisational culture: Sustainability starts at the top. When the leadership commits to sustainability, it becomes a company-wide responsibility. Aligning sustainability with both societal and business benefits motivate employees to embrace green practices.

2. Building trust with customers: Communicating the value of sustainable products is essential. By showcasing the long-term environmental and health benefits, companies can build trust and create loyal customer bases willing to invest in sustainable products.

3. Proactive regulatory preparedness: Companies should remain vigilant about changing regulations and be prepared to adapt quickly. Proactive planning and external collaborations ensure that sustainability efforts align with future industry standards.

4. Collaborating for continuous improvement: Regular collaboration with customers and stakeholders fosters continuous improvement. Sharing insights and feedback allows companies to refine their sustainability practices and stay ahead of market demands.

5. Clear roadmaps for success: Regular audits, clear KPIs and continuous internal and external collaboration are essential for ensuring that sustainability remains a priority, and that progress is both measured and measurable.