Axplora, a manufacturing partner for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced that its greenhouse gas emissions-reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The certification provides independent confirmation of Axplora's long-term sustainability strategy and strengthens the framework behind its ActNow 2030 programme. Rather than marking the start of its sustainability journey, it recognises a strategy that is already being embedded across the company's manufacturing network through investments, process development, supplier partnerships and day-to-day operations.
The verification follows a series of recent sustainability milestones across the business. Last month, four of Axplora's European CDMO manufacturing sites were recognised by EcoVadis, with Leverkusen awarded Platinum, Le Mans Gold, and Pompey and Chasse-sur-Rhône Silver. Together, these independent assessments reflect both the progress already being made across the business and the long-term framework guiding Axplora's sustainability strategy.
By 2030, Axplora has committed to:
- Reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% from a 2023 baseline.
- Reducing absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from a 2023 baseline.
The targets cover emissions from Axplora's operations and purchased energy, as well as value chain activities including purchased goods and services, transportation, business travel and waste.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in supplier selection across the pharmaceutical industry, particularly among leading global pharmaceutical companies. SBTi validation gives customers independent assurance that Axplora has a credible, measurable and science-based approach to reducing emissions while supporting transparent, resilient supply chains.
This shift is already shaping how long-term manufacturing partnerships are being formed. For example, a recently agreed strategic partnership between Axplora and a leading European pharmaceutical company includes sustainability performance alongside quality, delivery and innovation as one of the foundations of the relationship. The customer's ambitious emissions reduction objectives helped shape the collaboration, demonstrating how ESG has become a strategic differentiator rather than simply a compliance requirement.
Anant Barbadikar, co-president of PharmaZell and Executive Management Committee member responsible for ESG, said: "Our focus now is execution. By making targeted improvements across our sites and working closely with employees, customers and suppliers, we can turn these commitments into practical action and give customers greater confidence in the manufacturing partner supporting their medicines."
The validation is an important milestone within ActNow 2030, Axplora's company-wide sustainability programme. To deliver its commitments, the company is embedding emissions reduction into investment decisions, process development, procurement and daily operations across its sites and functions. Axplora is also working closely with suppliers to reduce value-chain emissions and strengthen responsible sourcing.
This coordinated approach includes using energy and materials more efficiently, reducing waste and optimising manufacturing processes—lowering environmental impact while helping customer programmes progress reliably and efficiently.
Through ActNow 2030, Axplora is combining scientific expertise, responsible manufacturing and close collaboration to help customers build more resilient pharmaceutical supply chains while reducing environmental impact. SBTi validation provides independent confirmation that the company is delivering against a clear, measurable and science-based roadmap for long-term sustainable growth.