DFE Pharma EcoVadis Gold medal: A sustainability milestone

DFE Pharma has achieved its third consecutive EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing the company in the top 5% of firms assessed globally for sustainability.

This recognition highlights DFE Pharma’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence, particularly in the pharmaceutical excipient industry.

Key sustainability achievements

• 100% green electricity: All production sites now operate on renewable energy.
• 42% reduction in scope 1 & 2 emissions: Targets approved by the science-based targets initiative (SBTi) were met well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
• Microplastic-free excipients: All products are free from microplastics, with biodegradability testing and detailed product data available.
• Launch of EcoLact 2030™: This innovative product offers verified CO₂ data and full value-chain traceability for lactose, enabling customers to report scope 3 emissions reductions.

Social and governance advances

DFE Pharma has also made strides in social responsibility and governance:

• A new Human Rights Policy aligned with UN Guiding Principles, featuring measurable indicators.
• Formal commitment to the UN Global Compact, with annual progress reporting.

Dr Sven Abend, CEO of DFE Pharma, says: “Our third consecutive Gold Medal reflects the dedication of our teams and partners worldwide and encourages us to keep raising the bar — from supplying the most sustainable lactose and plant-based excipients, to working closely with suppliers on nature-positive sourcing, and building a workplace where people feel safe, valued and able to contribute to success.”

Why this matters for customers

This achievement independently validates DFE Pharma as a sustainable and transparent supplier. Customers can rely on DFE Pharma for:

• Supplier qualification.
• Responsible sourcing.
• Supply-chain emissions reporting.

With over 125 years of experience, DFE Pharma is a global leader in pharmaceutical excipients. The company serves more than 5 000 customers in over 100 countries and is headquartered in Goch, Germany.