-SK pharmteco, a global pharmaceutical subcontract development and manufacturing organization, CDMO), has just reached an important step in its sustainable development journey by embarking on obtaining the My Green Lab certification, the gold standard for best practices in sustainable development of laboratories around the world. The company completed its basic assessment in the fall of 2024 and aims to reach its first level of certification by the summer of 2025, with the long-term goal of reaching the highest level of certification by 2030.

Recognized by the United Nations "Race to Zero" campaign as a key measure of progress towards a carbon-neutral future, the My Green Lab certification allows scientists and support teams to have concrete strategies to bring about significant environmental changes. Having proven its worth, My Green Lab has to date supported more than 3,400 laboratories in a variety of sectors through a program that delivers tangible results, including reducing operating costs and conserving resources, while promoting a safe, healthy and positive work environment conducive to scientific excellence.

"The My Green Lab certification program is a key part of SK pharmteco's sustainable development strategy, and it allows us to strengthen our commitment to environmentally friendly operations," said David Lowndes, Chief Operating Officer at SK pharmteco. "It complements our current efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, building on our 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and highlights our commitment to achieving the highest standards of sustainable laboratory practices by 2030. In addition, we do not see this only as a certification, but as a path that will allow our team members to use their expertise to create a more sustainable workplace. "

By seeking SK pharmteco certification, My Green Lab is directly part of its three-pronged sustainability strategy: responsible manufacturing through optimized laboratory practices, decarbonization of operations through better energy efficiency, and promotion of waste-free innovation through robust waste reduction initiatives. This program provides an essential framework for the integration of sustainability into our laboratory environments, and allows us to strengthen our broader environmental objectives.

The certification process encourages laboratory members to adopt sustainable behaviors and practices, fostering a sustainable culture of environmental responsibility. The completion of the certification depends on the time invested in the implementation of the recommended changes after the assessment, but the evaluation is generally obtained within six to nine months of the basic assessment.

The My Green Lab certification complements the ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) standard by providing a framework for addressing environmental sustainability, especially in laboratory environments, and encouraging scientists to improve the sustainability of their activities.

SK pharmteco's desire to obtain the My Green Lab certification demonstrates the organization's ongoing commitment to integrating sustainable practices into all facets of its activities, and thus contributing to a greener future for the industry.