ESG Policy

As a Belgian pharmaceutical company operating within a strictly regulated environment, Sanico has long embraced a strong ambition to create societal value. For us, sustainability is not an add-on but a coherent framework that balances our economic role, our responsibility toward people and our impact on the environment. As an SME, we choose an approach that is robust, consistent and future-proof.

Social: well-being, safety and sustainable employability

Our activities revolve around people: their expertise, their craftsmanship and their ability to manufacture medicines with consistent reliability. We therefore attach great importance to sustainable employability, understood as a careful and preventive HR approach aligned with the obligations of Belgian well-being legislation. We link this to a broad view of health, where physical and mental safety, ergonomics, risk management and respectful interactions form a stable foundation.

Ongoing training is an essential part of this approach. In a sector where quality and traceability are tightly regulated, up-to-date knowledge is not only an asset but also a requirement under the applicable regulatory framework. That is why we invest structurally in training, ensuring that our employees have the right competencies to work efficiently and in full compliance with GMP requirements. This strengthens both their well-being and their long-term employability.

Governance: sound policy and sustainable management

Sanico is convinced that economic sustainability flows from strong business performance supported by transparent and correct governance. For us, this means a clear organisational structure, defined responsibilities and management practices that fully comply with all relevant legislation — from quality standards to environmental law and from labour regulations to safety obligations.

We apply a thoughtful and cautious approach to risk, consistent with the principles of good corporate governance: decisions are carefully weighed, documentation is traceable and processes are standardised to ensure consistency and compliance. This governance culture is a fundamental pillar of our broader ESG approach.

Environment: energy efficiency and respect for the environment

Environmental sustainability holds a prominent place within Sanico. Operating within strict environmental regulations and energy performance standards, we invest in solutions that combine safety, efficiency and environmental care. Process control and regulatory compliance are essential — including in our environmental policy.

Our modern, automated production lines increase process reliability, improve ergonomics and reduce manual handling, enabling more efficient use of raw materials and energy .

Our infrastructure reflects the same vision. We select equipment with optimised energy consumption, install LED lighting throughout our facilities and operate heating systems with favourable energy performance. These choices align with Flemish and Belgian expectations for rational energy use and support a structural reduction of our overall energy profile.

We also place a strong emphasis on renewable energy. Our site hosts two high-tech wind turbines, converting natural wind resources into clean, renewable electricity. In 2024, these turbines generated 5,883 MWh of green power, corresponding to an estimated CO₂ reduction of around 1,930 tonnes. Of that production, we used 1,525 MWh directly in our facility, resulting in an associated emissions reduction of roughly 500 tonnes of CO₂.

Alongside this renewable energy generation, we also invest in the efficient use of fuels through combined heat and power (CHP). This installation simultaneously produces electricity and heat for on-site use. The electricity generated is fully consumed within the facility. The recovered heat is used for building heating and sanitary hot water applications. By combining electricity and heat generation and fully utilising both outputs, we increase the overall energy efficiency of our site compared to conventional, separate production. This results in more efficient use of primary energy and a lower relative CO₂ intensity per unit produced. 

The combination of renewable energy generation and enhanced energy efficiency provides  a tangible illustration of our long-term vision for responsible energy use. It contributes to a stable, future-oriented and environmentally conscious energy profile — fully aligned with the way Sanico approaches the environmental dimension within ESG.