Sustainability in pharma doesn’t have to be a buzzword —it can also be an opportunity to create an impact . With rising expectations from governments, investors and regulatory agencies and patients, the companies that integrate environmental and social responsibility into their core operations stand apart.
Strides Pharma is proud to be recognised in the 2025 S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, placing us among the top 10% of companies globally for ESG performance in our debut year.
This recognition underscores our commitment to responsible growth, proving that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand. While the pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in global health, its environmental impact—from carbon emissions to waste management—is a growing concern. The industry emits 52 megatons of CO2 annually, 13 % higher than automotive sector, highlighting the urgent need for leadership in sustainability. Strides Pharma is committed to being part of the solution.
The Intersection of Innovation and Responsibility.
The pharmaceutical industry exists at an interesting crossroads − where innovation meets responsibility. From energy- intensive manufacturing to complex global supply chains, the industry faces a pressing challenge: how to balance progress with sustainability. At Strides Pharma, we recognize this challenge and are dedicated to leading by example.
"We are excited to begin this journey of detailed reporting on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) progress, sharing our goals, successes, and challenges, said Arun Kumar, Founder & Executive Chairperson, and Badree Komandur, MD & Group CEO."
Our structured accountability mechanisms and commitment to transparency drive our ESG performance, ensuring meaningful progress
The Role of the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook
One of the most respected benchmarks for sustainability leadership, the One of the most respected benchmarks for sustainability leadership, the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook evaluates companies across industries based on their ESG performance, recognizing those that lead in responsible business practicess One of the most respected benchmarks for sustainability leadership, the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook evaluates companies across industries based on their ESG performance, recognizing those that lead in responsible business practices. evaluates companies across industries based on their ESG performance, recognizing those that lead in responsible business practices.
For the 2025 edition, S&P Global assessed nearly 7,700 companies across 60+ industries, but only 780 made the cut, demonstrating the rigorous evaluation process.
Out of 354 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, only 35 companies (23 from Pharma and 12 from Biotech) were selected for inclusion in the Yearbook. These companies have a combined market capitalization of $1,379 billion USD, reinforcing the exclusivity of this recognition. Being featured in the Yearbook reflects a company’s sustained commitment to ESG principles. It signals that an organization is not just meeting industry benchmarks but striving to raise them—adopting practices that align with long-term environmental responsibility, social impact, and ethical governance.
Governance and Ethical Practices
- ● Ranked in the 94th percentile for Business Ethics, reinforcing compliance and integrity.
- ● Earned a 94th percentile position in Policy Influence, demonstrating
active participation in shaping responsible industry policies. - ● Recognised in the 94th percentile for Risk & Crisis Management,
ensuring resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
A Milestone, But the Journey Continues
Recognition in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook is a milestone, but it is not the finish line. At Strides Pharma, we view this achievement as validation that we are on the right path. There is still more to do—new sustainability goals to set, deeper ESG integration to achieve, and more significant impact to deliver.
"Mr. Arun Kumar, Founder & Executive Chairperson, and Mr. Badree Komandur, MD & Group CEO, commented, “We are proud to announce that we have received an industry-leading ESG rating from S&P Global on our debut submission. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability. It validates our dedication to responsible business practices and reinforces our ongoing efforts to integrate ESG principles across our business operations. As we continue to strengthen and expand our ESG initiatives, we remain focused on creating a lasting, positive impact for all our stakeholders."
As the industry evolves, Strides Pharma remains committed to responsible and sustainable growth, ensuring that progress in pharmaceuticals is always aligned with progress for the planet and its people.
Key Takeaways
- ● Pharma’s environmental impact is significant: The industry emits 52 megatons of CO2 annually, 13% more than the automotive sector, and generates 50–100 kg of waste per kg of API.
- ● Sustainability is no longer optional: Governments, investors, and patients expect accountability in emissions, waste, and ethical governance
- ● The S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook is exclusive: Out of 7,700 companies, only 780 made the cut. In pharma and biotech, just 35 companies were included.
- ● Strides Pharma is in the Top 10% Globally: Ranked 99th percentile in Waste & Pollutants, 100th in Customer Relations, and 94 th in Business Ethics, among other high ESG scores.
- ● Sustainability is a journey, not a destination: Strides Pharma sees this as motivation, not a milestone, with ongoing goals for deeper ESG integration and greater impact.
Strides Pharma continues to set new standards for sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that every step forward contributes to a better, healthier, and more responsible future.
References
- https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/11/pharmaceutical-industry-reduce-climate-impact/
- https://www.logmore.com/post/pharma-industry-carbon-footprint
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004221010
- https://eeb.org/the-problem-of-pharmaceutical-pollution/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138896/
- https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/yearbook/2025/ranking/index
- https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/yearbook