Increased regulations and restrictions on pharmaceutical production create barriers for pharmaceutical companies to improve their sustainability status. Manufacturers are working towards reducing carbon emissions, decreasing material costs, improving recyclability in packaging, and reduction in overall production costs.

However, the shift to reduce costs isn’t enough. For pharmaceutical companies to attain their goal of sustainability more effectively, it is vital to understand the overall production, distribution and reverse distribution strategy. 

The push to reduce packaging materials has included reduction in the container size and durability. This is a challenge because packaging must maintain an effective level of safety and durability to protect the product against contaminants. So, most packaging has already been through a series of cuts and revisions.

A shift towards smaller batch runs which enable product diversity is becoming more common. This practice creates gaps in the supply chain which significantly impact patients’ access to the drugs they need. Additionally, frequent changeovers in production create challenges for pharmaceutical companies by impacting their energy consumption and overall environmental impact. 

Pharmaceutical distribution methods have also been advancing, making access to the proper doses and less waste a reality. While this method works for some, it is only a fraction of the industry. Patient access through their pharmacy or hospital remains a critical element in proper, sustainable healthcare.

Cutting costs to get the product into the hands of patients is only half of the solution. Managing waste can make a tremendous impact on a companies’ bottom line. 

At National Pharmaceutical Returns (NPR) we help clients improve their sustainability through our processing and returns system. Our system allows customers to log their returns directly to check for proper disposal practices, order containers, and reduce the risk of errors. Our priority is to improve safety by helping minimize errors, reduce risk, and communicate proper protocols and procedures. By helping clients increase efficiency in processing returns, we help clients operate more cost effectively with faster reimbursement. 

Reverse pharmaceutical distribution is a highly-regulated industry and NPR works diligently to address environmental responsibility and the safety of our employees. For more information, request a quote or schedule an appointment today.