5 August 2025

In a major milestone for the European generics sector, Prague-based pharmaceutical company Zentiva has secured official validation of its climate targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The move places Zentiva among a growing cohort of pharmaceutical firms aligning their decarbonisation strategies with the latest climate science — and it marks a significant step in the company’s sustainability journey.

By setting both near- and long-term net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, Zentiva has formally aligned its roadmap with the European Union’s overarching ambition to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Its targets, grounded in SBTi methodology, call for deep emissions reductions across the value chain, rather than relying on offsetting.

“Unlike carbon neutrality claims that may rely on offsets, SBTi requires companies to prioritise deep emissions reductions of up to 90%, before addressing residual emissions through carbon removals,” said Ines Windisch, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Zentiva, in an exclusive interview with MoveTheNeedle.news.

A generics giant with a growing ESG footprint

Zentiva Group, a.s. develops, manufactures, and distributes generic and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to more than 100 million people across over 30 European countries. Since becoming independent in 2018 — following its carve-out from Sanofi and acquisition by Advent International — the company has transformed itself into a leader in accessible, affordable healthcare.

“As a producer of generic medicines, sustainability is deeply embedded in our purpose and values as we broaden access to affordable medicines for people who depend on them every day,” said Windisch. “We recognise the impact we have on society and the environment, and we are committed to operating responsibly. This means minimising our environmental footprint while contributing to a healthier future for all generations.”

The company published its first formal Sustainability Report in 2021 and has since embedded its sustainability strategy into its core business model. That strategy is organised around three pillars — People, Partners, and Planet — and is supported by defined governance structures and employee engagement.

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made on our sustainability journey, while acknowledging that we continue to learn and evolve,” said Windisch. “At Zentiva, every step matters. We actively encourage all team members to contribute to the best of their ability, reinforcing our collective commitment to responsible business practices.”

From renewables to water reuse: tangible results

Zentiva’s achievements so far paint a picture of steady and science-backed progress:

• All of its European manufacturing sites now run on 100% renewable electricity.
• Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions have been reduced by more than 20% since 2021.
• Natural gas use has been cut by 69%, and waste sent to landfill is down by 50%. One facility has achieved zero waste to landfill from routine operations for the second year running.
• Recycled water use has increased by 75%.
• On the biodiversity front, the company has pledged to plant 1 million trees by 2030 and is well on track. In addition, Zentiva has adopted 2 million bees to promote sustainable beekeeping.

One initiative particularly close to Windisch’s heart is the restoration of a lake in India, near one of the company’s manufacturing sites. “This project has revitalised local flora and fauna and secured water supply for an entire village,” she said.

A people-first culture and inclusive workplace

Zentiva’s sustainability approach extends beyond the environment. The company also invests heavily in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), aiming to create a culture where all employees feel empowered and valued.

“Our gender balance at C2-Internal level is considered healthy, and we take a broader view of empowerment across all dimensions,” Windisch explained. Each year, the company delivers over 100 corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects throughout its operational footprint.

Employee engagement metrics also reflect a strong internal culture: Zentiva’s latest engagement survey saw a 96% participation rate and an engagement index of 84. The company has been recognised as a Top Employer in the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria, and holds Great Place to Work certifications in several other markets.

“To build sustainability literacy, we launched ESGenius, a training programme designed to inspire, empower, and transform our colleagues into Sustainability Ambassadors,” said Windisch. “All this is underpinned by a strong governance structure. These achievements represent just a selection of our broader efforts and reflect the deep commitment we share as a team and as a company.”

Science-based targets: what they mean

Zentiva’s targets are ambitious, yet clearly defined and measurable. The company has committed to reach net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050. In the near term, it will aim to:

• Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 63% by 2034, using 2021 as the base year.
• Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 63% by 2034, using 2024 as the base year.

By 2050, the company commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% (versus 2021) and Scope 3 emissions by 90% (versus 2024).

“These targets are not merely aspirational; they are embedded in a detailed roadmap that is already being implemented,” said Windisch. “At Zentiva, we believe that ambition alone will not cool the planet — action will.”

Implementation in motion

Zentiva has already begun integrating sustainability into its investment decisions, with every major project undergoing a dedicated sustainability assessment to ensure alignment with environmental and social goals.

Key actions underway include:

• Phasing out fossil fuels, especially natural gas.
• Investing in energy-efficient technologies to reduce consumption and emissions.
• Leveraging digital tools to monitor and improve environmental performance.
• Prioritising renewable energy and promoting circular resource use across operations.

“These measures are not part of a future roadmap — they are being implemented now, reflecting Zentiva’s commitment to sustainability,” said Windisch.

Scope 3: the next frontier

Windisch acknowledged that much of the company’s environmental impact lies outside its direct operations. That’s why Zentiva is actively working with suppliers and partners to address Scope 3 emissions — which encompass emissions from raw materials, packaging, logistics, and warehousing.

Key supplier initiatives include:

• Integrating sustainability criteria into procurement and performance evaluations.
• Extending climate strategy to cover distribution and warehousing.
• Collaborating with top suppliers on emissions reduction targets.

“Our Scope 3 climate targets are integrated and as well validated by SBTi,” she said.

Systemic change needed

Zentiva’s commitment to science-based targets and its progress to date are commendable. Yet Windisch is candid about the remaining hurdles — especially those that fall outside of Zentiva’s immediate influence.

“The most pressing challenge now lies in navigating a complex and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape — particularly across Europe. We have to remain agile and proactive to meet shifting compliance requirements while continuing to advance our climate goals,” she said.

Much also depends on factors such as infrastructure readiness and access to renewable energy sources. “While Zentiva is committed to leading the transition, achieving our long-term ambitions will depend on systemic changes beyond the company’s direct control and the willingness of our partners to join us in our journey.”

Bottom line: Zentiva’s net-zero strategy, now validated by the SBTi, adds credibility and urgency to its sustainability roadmap. As the company looks ahead, its blend of operational action, supply chain engagement, and organisational learning could well set a new standard for climate leadership in the generics industry.