Chiesi Group’s plan to align its business operations with global climate goals while maintaining patient care standards signals a shift in how pharmaceutical companies approach sustainability. The company has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2035, a deadline that aligns with the European Union’s broader 2050 climate objectives. This commitment is validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, which checks that corporate reduction plans fit within global warming limits.
Clearing the air on climate and health
The company’s “Action Over Words” campaign focuses on the connection between climate change and respiratory health. Officials note that factors like air pollution and extreme weather contribute to conditions such as asthma and COPD. The initiative aims to educate healthcare professionals and the public about these risks while supporting collaboration to address them. The campaign slogan, “Let’s clear the air!” calls for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations from climate-related respiratory issues.
The strategy involves supporting communities at risk and working with organizations to develop systemic solutions. By highlighting the intersection of environmental policy and public health, Chiesi is trying to influence decision-makers to prioritize cleaner air policies. This approach suggests that environmental protection and patient safety are not mutually exclusive goals but are deeply intertwined in the modern healthcare setting.
Related: Giuseppe Accogli’s Rise From Med‑Tech to Chiesi CEO
Investing in low-carbon medical devices
Recognizing that traditional inhalers contribute significantly to carbon emissions, Chiesi invested €350 million to develop a carbon-minimal inhaler platform for asthma and COPD patients. The research indicates that switching to low-GWP propellants can reduce the carbon footprint of these devices by 90%. This builds on the company’s history of innovation, including its early move to create CFC-free inhalers before environmental regulations required it.
While the new technology offers environmental benefits, the latest clinical guidelines stress the importance of correct inhaler technique and patient education. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) reports that air pollution and heat exposure raise all-cause mortality in COPD patients. This creates a delicate balance for manufacturers: they must introduce greener technologies without disrupting the clinical efficacy that patients rely on. The development of low-GWP propellants provides a pathway to reduce environmental impact without forcing patients to change how they use their medication.
It remains to be seen how quickly other manufacturers will follow this model. The €350 million investment represents a significant capital allocation that few peers may be willing to match immediately. If Chiesi’s platform proves cost-effective and clinically equivalent to legacy products, it could pressure the rest of the industry to accelerate their own sustainability timelines.
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