Aduraseyi Adeoye
Senior Sustainability Researcher, Irish Manufacturing Research
The future of life science manufacturing is evolving, and sustainability is playing a crucial role in shaping it. Here’s how integrated data collection practices can help in navigating this journey.
The sustainability data needed to catapult manufacturing into the desirable future is spread out across the value chain and on different data collection platforms. There is a need for an integrated approach.
Emission reduction targets and strategies
Carbon emissions reduction targets are a central focus of the sustainability strategies of manufacturing companies. While potential-based targets were once seen as a marker of progress and commitment, the expectation now is for companies to get more precise with their targets. Embracing approaches like science-based targets (SBT) and Net-Zero Standards is the way to go for setting emission reduction targets.
These approaches require more precise sustainability data. Approaches that integrate the different data sources and streamline them into a simple and actionable format will therefore provide the required data for setting actionable sustainability targets that are consistent with industry standards and expectations.
It is crucial to implement an integrated
data collection and preparation approach
to achieve high-quality results.
Supply chain management and engagement
The emission profile of life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies is heavily tilted towards scope 3 emissions, which are dependent on the wider supply chain. In our engagements at Irish Manufacturing Research, we have discovered that it is crucial to implement an integrated data collection and preparation approach to achieve high-quality results. The solution is not to start another data collection drive but to collect relevant sustainability data like carbon factors, product composition or description and relevant measurement units like volumes and mass alongside preexisting procurement level and finance data. Since data required for sustainability analysis is typically spread across different operational departments and systems, successful integration requires collaboration of all professionals across procurement, finance, IT and management.
Digital solutions for sustainability data
Sustainability is an evolving data challenge, and digital tools can solve some of the challenges and help meet rising expectations. Tools that can improve the interaction of the different data sources and systems within the organisation to facilitate data aggregation are critical for success. These tools can also be adapted to offer a viable platform for active, ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders.
