Significant aspects

Lundbeck's research and development of pharmaceuticals and our manufacturing processes are based on chemical syntheses. This means that Lundbeck's most significant impacts on humans and the environment derive from raw material consumption - primarily organic solvents, energy and water - along with waste generation and the emissions of solvent into the air.

Lundbeck's active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced at our three production facilities in Europe, while our pharmaceutical production and research is located at Valby, Denmark. To give an impact comparison figure: In 2007, our pharmaceutical production and research at Valby used 32 tonnes of solvents, as opposed to the nearly 4,500 tonnes used at our chemical facilities.

Our research & development activities in Denmark and New Jersey, USA, have a great influence on the health, safety and environmental impacts later in the production process. The possible solutions are, to a large extent, of a preventive nature, for example in the form of substitutions. Conversely, the solutions available in the production process are typically end-of-pipe solutions. Therefore we focus on developing processes that create the least possible human and environmental impact. The figure below illustrates typical solutions depending on the stage in the product chain.

Through careful planning and design of work processes we focus on preventing health, safety and environmental problems. For example we try to eliminate direct contact with hazardous compounds or allergenes from animals. We instruct all employees with regard to work operations and the precautions that should be taken. Moreover, we try to replace potentially hazardous substances with less hazardous substitutes.

We believe that personal protective equipment should be used as the last option. This is because personal protective equipment, unlike preventive measures, only protects the individual worker and not his or her colleagues. Moreover, personal protective equipment restricts the employee’s freedom of movement and may be uncomfortable to wear.

All work-related accidents that occur at Lundbeck, are analysed in detail in order to identify the actual cause and prevent similar accidents in the future. We take a serious approach to reporting near-accidents with a view to preventing and avoiding accidents.