The healthcare and pharmaceutical sector plays a critical role in society, but it is also facing growing ESG expectations related to environmental impact, ethics, safety, governance and transparency.
The EcoVadis assessment has become a key market standard for laboratories, manufacturers, distributors and healthcare service providers looking to demonstrate their sustainability performance and secure long-term business partnerships.
Why EcoVadis Is Strategic for the Healthcare & Pharma Sector
Major industry players such as Sanofi, Pfizer, GSK, AstraZeneca, Roche and Johnson & Johnson now require a minimum EcoVadis score from their suppliers and partners.
For healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, EcoVadis helps to:
- Demonstrate compliance with environmental, ethical and regulatory expectations
- Structure ESG practices in a documented and measurable way
- Strengthen reputation and credibility with clients and investors
- Access new markets where ESG ratings are becoming a prerequisite
Good to know: More than 25,000 healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have already been assessed by EcoVadis, a number that continues to grow as global supply chains raise ESG requirements.
Key EcoVadis Topics for Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Companies
EcoVadis evaluates companies across four main pillars, adapted to sector-specific risks and impacts.
Environment
- Management of chemical, pharmaceutical and biological waste
- Reduction of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
- Sustainable water management and pollution prevention
- Responsible innovation (eco-design, sustainable packaging)
Ethics & Compliance
- Anti-corruption and anti-competitive practices
- Transparency in medical communication and clinical trials
- Protection of patient data and medical confidentiality
Social & Human Rights
- Health and safety in laboratories, manufacturing sites and healthcare facilities
- Ongoing training for employees and subcontractors
- Diversity, equity and inclusion within the workforce
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier selection and monitoring based on ESG criteria
- Traceability of raw materials (chemicals, active ingredients)
- Social and environmental audits and certifications
Documents to Prepare for a Successful EcoVadis Assessment
EcoVadis analysts rely on documented evidence to assess ESG maturity.
| Area | Examples of Supporting Documents |
|---|---|
| Environment | Environmental policy, ISO 14001 certificate, chemical waste management plan, GHG reporting |
| Ethics | Code of conduct, anti-corruption policy, integrity charter, compliance program |
| Social & Safety | ISO 45001 certificate, prevention plan, health & safety report, training plan |
| Responsible Procurement | Supplier code of conduct, ESG audits, subcontractor assessments, ESG contract clauses |
Good to know: Recognised certifications and frameworks such as ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health & safety) and ISO 37001 (anti-corruption), as well as healthcare- and pharma-specific regulatory frameworks (e.g. REACH, RoHS, GMP / GxP, traceability and product compliance requirements), are highly valued in EcoVadis scoring when they are formalised, documented and effectively implemented.
How to Improve Your EcoVadis Score in Healthcare & Pharma
- Update ESG policies covering environment, safety, ethics and suppliers
- Structure procedures for chemical risk management, regulatory compliance and traceability
- Monitor key indicators: energy use, emissions, accidents, training, diversity
- Rely on recognised frameworks, whether normative, regulatory or sector-specific, and demonstrate real-world implementation
- Engage suppliers and subcontractors through codes of conduct, audits and contractual requirements
- Leverage EcoVadis feedback to continuously improve year after year and aim for a higher EcoVadis medal
Benefits of a Strong EcoVadis Rating for Healthcare & Pharma Companies
- Stronger credibility with laboratories, hospitals and public-sector stakeholders
- Increased trust from patients, clients and investors
- Reduced regulatory and reputational risks
- Simplified client audits and shared ESG evidence across partners
- Improved employer attractiveness and employee engagement
Healthcare & Pharma: How to Succeed in Your EcoVadis Assessment — Key Takeaways
| Key Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Objective | Structure and showcase ESG performance across healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations |
| Main challenges | Environment, safety, ethics, traceability, regulatory compliance |
| Key topics assessed | Environment, Social, Ethics, Responsible Procurement |
| Key documents | ESG policies, ISO certificates, carbon reporting, supplier codes of conduct |
| Evidence validity | Up to 8 years for policies/actions – 2 years for reporting |
| Benefits | Credibility, compliance, competitiveness, trust and long-term sustainability |
