A climate of change
Time was when profit margins on pharmaceuticals were high and the cost of utilities were relatively low, and having spent huge sums on developing the drug, getting it to market quickly was far more important than the day-to-day cost of manufacturing it.
Time was when profit margins on pharmaceuticals were high and the cost of utilities were relatively low, and having spent huge sums on developing the drug, getting it to market quickly was far more important than the day-to-day cost of manufacturing it.
But that was then and this is now. A glance at the exhibitor list for any large trade show is clear evidence of the burgeoning influence on global manufacturing of the low-cost economies.
Add to that the rising environmental awareness of the developed world - climate change, carbon footprints and contamination of air, land and water - as well as a growing legislative and regulatory burden, record energy costs and increasingly precarious water supplies, and it is no wonder that pharma companies are having a serious rethink when it comes to their manufacturing strategies.
Hardly a day goes by without an announcement of an investment or joint venture in production facilities in China or India or even further afield. And some, like AstraZeneca, are drawing up long-term plans to outsource their entire manufacturing activities.
Not everyone will go down that route, of course. And for those who continue to manufacturing in Europe, costs will remain the focus of their attention.
This is why Manufacturing Chemist commends to its readers the forthcoming Envirowise conference. To be held in the Midland Hotel in Manchester on 5 December, the event aims to spread environmental best practice and resource efficiency in pharmaceutical operations.
Envirowise believes that UK business as a whole could save £3bn through improved environmental performance and resource efficiency. The conference will give guidance on simple ways to make changes, save money and increase profits; lessening the impact of chemicals on individuals and the environment; reducing waste and material use; and avoiding the consumption of non-renewable resources.
And in keeping with the aim of reducing costs, attendance at the event is free of charge. To register go to: www.wilmingtonconferences.com/envirowise2007.
Waste not, want not, as the saying goes. A sustainable approach is vital to the future of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, and this is one opportunity that definitely should not to be wasted.