Towa International reduces its emissions by 66% and its water consumption by 31% since 2019

To mark Sustainability Week

• The pharmaceutical company has also reduced waste generation by 19% and continues to improve the efficiency and optimisation of its industrial processes
• Key measures implemented include the use of electricity from renewable sources, photovoltaic energy generation and water reuse at its facilities
• With a focus on 2030, the goal is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% and total water consumption by 40% compared with 2019

Barcelona, 22 October 2026. – Emissions reduction, energy efficiency and the more efficient management of resources such as water have become some of the pharmaceutical industry’s main areas of environmental action. In this context, Towa International, the international hub of Towa Pharmaceutical and a company specialized in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of generic medicines, has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 66% since 2019 (those linked to its own operations and energy consumption), from 12.100 to 4.140 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

The results, corresponding to the latest financial year, also show significant progress in resource management. Total water consumption has been reduced by 31%, from 116.322 m³ in 2019 to 80.377 m³.

This progress is the result of energy efficiency, process optimisation and responsible resource management projects progressively implemented across the company’s industrial operations, including the procurement of electricity from renewable sources and the expansion of photovoltaic generation, investments in energy efficiency coordinated by a cross-functional team within the company, the optimisation of production processes, the renewal of LED lighting and climate control systems, and the reduction of natural gas consumption.

“At Towa, we understand sustainability as a cross-cutting approach embedded throughout our activities, from the way we develop and manufacture our medicines to our relationship with people and our environment. Our goal is to continue moving towards a responsible business model that combines innovation and growth with access to quality medicines and a reduction in our environmental impact,” explains Sergi Palomino, Senior Director Sustainability at Towa International.

Efficient water use, another challenge for pharmaceutical production

A significant part of this transformation is taking place at the Martorelles (Barcelona) production plant, where Towa International has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption and increasing reuse. These include the installation of an advanced water purification system based on reverse osmosis and continuous electrodeionisation processes, which saves 28.368 m³ of water per year. This measure is complemented by the reuse of reject water from reverse osmosis processes for secondary purposes, such as irrigation and sanitation, generating an additional annual saving of 6.300 m³.

The company has also optimised its cleaning processes, saving a further 1.751 m³ per year.

Less waste and greater material circularity

Towa International’s environmental strategy is also reflected in a reduction in waste generation. Since 2019, the company has reduced waste from 974 to 786 tonnes, representing a 19% decrease.

At the same time, the Martorelles plant has introduced several circularity and material optimisation initiatives, such as the reuse of plastic pallets, the reduction of cardboard weight, the recycling of plastic from excipient drums, and the reuse of various materials and transport packaging.

Since their implementation in 2024, these actions have made it possible to save 40.448 kg of materials per year and, through new annual projects, contribute to progress towards a production model that uses resources more efficiently.

A roadmap focused on 2030

The progress achieved since 2019 forms the basis of a new environmental roadmap with specific targets for 2030.

On climate action, Towa International has set a target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% compared with 2019 and its Scope 3 emissions by 20%. Scope 3 accounts for most of the company’s climate footprint, so supplier engagement and improved value chain data will be key levers in driving further reductions.

Regarding water, the company is targeting a 40% reduction in total water consumption and a 60% reduction in consumption per unit of production.

Towa International also aims to reduce its waste generation by 25% compared with 2019, to 730 tonnes, and increase the recovery rate to 70% by 2030, compared with 62,4% recorded in 2025.

With these results, the company reaffirms its commitment to a more sustainable pharmaceutical industry that is prepared for the environmental challenges of the future, moving towards a model that combines access to quality medicines with responsible resource management and a reduction in its environmental footprint.