• Values and Commitments
• Global Health
• Community Programs
• U.S. Patient Assistance Programs
• Medicine Safety
• Environment Health and Safety
  • EHS Integration
  • Programs and Performance
    • Certifications and Recognition
    • Climate Change and Energy
    • Health and Safety
    • Reducing Our Footprint
    • Water Use and Conservation
    • EHS Compliance
    • Green Buildings Program
    • Green Chemistry Program
      • Performance
    • Sourcing
  • Partnering and Community Outreach
  • Case Studies
• Diversity
• Education

Green Chemistry Program: Realizing the Promise of Green Chemistry

Pfizer's global environment, health and safety (EHS) program is founded on an understanding of the potential impact of a product over its entire life cycle — from the selection of chemicals in the research and development process, to the use of raw materials and natural resources in manufacturing, through end use to recycling and disposal. In fact, the Pfizer EHS Policy commits us to integrating EHS considerations into our research and development activities and maintaining safe and environmentally sound operations. Our Green Chemistry initiative which is led by our science lines with strong partnership with EHS, seeks to do just that. Our EHS Policy also commits us to reaching out to others to improve the environment. We believe strongly in educating current and future generations of scientists and engineers, and the principles of Green Chemistry are an area where we can uniquely contribute. Green Chemistry is becoming intrinsic to the way all scientists and engineers work. The work of Green Chemistry is advanced scientific innovation which lies at the heart of our strength as a company. It is a great way to develop sustainable, environmentally sound and cost effective processes — a win-win for colleagues, the community and our business.

Goals and Commitments:

• To continue developing and implementing Green Chemistry practices to enhance our EHS profile
• To share Green Chemistry knowledge within our organization (by educating current and future generations of scientists and engineers) as well as with educators and the community.
• To advance scientific innovation which lies at the heart of our strength as a company.

Programs and Actions:

• Pfizer as a Leader: Pfizer was the first Pharmaceutical company to appoint a fulltime leader in Green Chemistry with multiple teams throughout the company to  integrate the initiative.
• Green Chemistry : Finding innovative ways to lessen our impact on the environment during the manufacturing of our products — continue to “green” the process by enhancing process robustness, reducing emissions and use of hazardous materials, and increasing the recycling of process waste.
• Colleague Collaboration: Green Chemistry teams working collaboratively to fully integrate GC principles into how we bring products to patients
  • Site level multi-disciplinary teams of chemists, process engineers and EHS professionals apply principles in process design to enhance our EHS profile.
  • Committed to promoting the selection and use of environmentally preferable chemicals, eliminating waste and conserving energy.
• Community Outreach: Our Green Chemistry teams also promote the principles of Green Chemistry through a number of community outreach activities, including:
  • Onsite workshops and site visits for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and their professors that highlight the contribution of Green Chemistry to sustainable product development.
  • The development of a Green Chemistry teaching curriculum for middle school students since 2004 to promote an early understanding of the role of chemistry in providing answers to environmental concerns.
  • Currently working on a High School module that will be ready in early 2008.
  • Active participation in international and local conferences, seminars and workshops through presentations on the role of Green Chemistry in a R&D environment.
  • Partnership in an industry coalition among whose mission is to partner with scientists to find the greener ways to do the chemistry of the future.

• View Performance metrics