How can a product development team create an environmentally sustainable product?

In case of Pharmaceutical industry, there is a misconception that making a facility for Sterile Formulations is a costly affair and the ROI can be very long. This, in current scenario, where the machine manufacturing industry has advanced so much that with a reasonably low budget (considering it being a sterile facility) can put up an excellent automated sterile formulation facility with a good production volume and this includes different types of sterile formulations like vials, pre-filled syringes, 3-piece eye drop containers, etc.If put in phased manner, the facility in long run can be highly automated with full cGMP compliance of all regulated markets of the world, including 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

First step is to identify the right team of professionals from both the sides. Both customer and manufacturer should have a common goal to make it success. They should know the reality and practical issues. If customer is not ready to compromise on colors and textures of packaging and manufacturer not ready to compromise on profits, projects are not viable. Majority of these projects only successful where top managements are directly involved and monitor the progress. Decision makers only to involve in these projects.

The choice of material is a critical feature because this is visible to the final customer, unlike your factory process which is not. Ensure the customer knows the environmentally friendly impact of your materials, quantify or otherwise it doesn't count because everybody else is out there making generic unproven statements.

As you consider materials for the product, it is also important to consider how this material will be managed at end of life. A long lasting product and one that can be refurbished or easily recycled will reduce the carbon footprint. There are many new materials available that you should consider before settling for what has always been used. You should also consider where the materials will be sourced. Do not forget the impact of supply chain on carbon footprint. Another consideration should be the materials of your packaging. You will need to protect the product, but adding either recyclable or re-usable packaging will also impact the carbon footprint. Make sure your development team understands your sustainability goals.

The design may be the critical part for many customers because that is what they see impacting their process. How does it perform? This is something design may reduce actual emissions, improve efficiencies, reduce material consumption, and more. This is critical value that can be expressed in dollars!

Many Industrial clients are forced to report the ecological impact across their supply chain, not being able to quantify the carbon footprint of your production is not acceptable. This can be critical. Be ware that others may make claims but are not transparent proving them.

Carbon foot print consideration would involve. 1. Energy savings achieved. 2. Machine reliability /Life. 3. Longer service intervals , long spares life and re-conditioning recycling of used spares RM. 4. Lower Emissions oil , fuel exhaust, Gas leaks . (Eg Oil free /NL compressors ) 5. Possible Heat recovery systems . If above parameters are focused for effective benefits / outcome. It would lower the carbon footprint compared with traditional methods / equipments.