On 2 December 2022 CordenPharma announced its commitment to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a pivotal step towards actively driving down global emissions across the company. Aligning with the aims of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, halve emissions by 2030, and achieve Net Zero by 2050, CordenPharma is dedicated to evaluating and submitting company-wide emissions reduction targets through the SBTi.
In 2023, CordenPharma embarked on a comprehensive campaign to evaluate and develop science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As highlighted on the Science-Based Targets website, thousands of companies, including CordenPharma, are taking proactive measures to develop their own targets and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The first phase of CordenPharma’s global transformation to a low-carbon economy involved identifying all emissions sources. This entailed a thorough analysis of emissions at all sites, encompassing not only the manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Lipid Excipients, and pharmaceutical Drug Products, but also emissions from the entire value chain and supporting processes.
In February 2024, CordenPharma launched a groundbreaking innovation in the field of cholesterol replacement for Lipid NanoParticle (LNP) formulation by introducing β-sitosterol to enhance endosome escape ability while maintaining the size and encapsulation of LNPs. This development marks a significant advancement in mRNA transfection efficacy.
Because of our commitment to SBTi targets, during the process design of β-sitosterol we prioritized the identification of a reliable and sustainable source of starting material for its production, thereby reducing the high CO2 emissions impact normally in place with traditional chemical steps requiring solvents and chemical consumption. Working closely with members of the American Forest & Paper Association, known for their leadership in sustainable forest management practices, CordenPharma committed to the responsible sourcing of an innovative plant-based β-sitosterol starting material derived from softwoods used in the kraft paper making process, and in the process ensured that every harvested tree is replaced by three new trees.
The β-sitosterol production process concludes with a sophisticated purification technology, enabling the recycling of over 98% of the main eluent directly into the same process, further enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency. These actions reinforce CordenPharma’s green initiatives and further our overall goal to create efficient SBTi reduction targets.
“Joining the Science Based Targets initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability in order to combat climate change,” comments Dr. Matthieu Giraud, CordenPharma’s Senior Director, Global Lipids & Carbohydrates Platform at CordenPharma. “We recognize the urgent need for action, and through this initiative, we are taking concrete steps – as exemplified in our implementation of sustainable β-sitosterol production – to reduce our environmental footprint not only in our facilities, but across our platforms using innovative technologies that contribute to a healthier planet.”
CordenPharma remains dedicated to advancing sustainable practices, driving innovation, and reducing its environmental impact while delivering high-quality pharmaceutical solutions to meet the needs of patients worldwide.
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