Our Green Chemistry Program

Green chemistry consists of chemicals and processes designed to reduce or eliminate environmental harm. Actions may involve waste reduction, non-toxic components, reduced energy use and improved efficiency.

Green chemistry is a highly effective way to prevent pollution because scientific innovations are applied to real-world situations. The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, originally published by Paul Anastas and John Warner in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, provide a road map.

Pfizer is committed to these 12 Principles. Our Green Chemistry initiative, led by our science lines in partnership with EHS, affects how all Pfizer scientists and engineers work. We are the first pharmaceutical company to appoint a full-time leader in Green Chemistry, with cross-functional teams across the globe. Site-level teams of chemists, process engineers and EHS professionals promote the selection and use of environmentally preferable chemicals, eliminating waste and conserving energy.

Our EHS Policy commits us to reaching out to others to improve the environment. We believe strongly in educating current and future scientists and engineers, and Green Chemistry principles are an area where we can uniquely contribute.

Green Chemistry is about advancing scientific innovation — our core strength — to reduce our environmental footprint. It is a great way to develop sustainable, environmentally sound and cost-effective processes — a win-win for colleagues, the community and our business.

Dig Deeper

• See Pfizer's Green Chemistry Commitments and Actions
• Learn about our Green Chemistry Curricula
• Learn about our Environmental Sustainability Initiatives for Product Stewardship
• Watch a video about Pfizer's green chemistry program.

Want to Make Medicines Greener? It's in the Chemistry

Learn more about how Pfizer is reducing the use of chemicals in our research and development processes... Watch the video »

Green Chemistry Triumphs at Environmental Awards

The best in UK environmental excellence was celebrated on 1 July at the 2009 Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards in London. Twelve companies received recognition for their outstanding achievements, but it was Pfizer that successfully scooped the Management Premier Award. Founded by Sir Peter Parker in 1975, the BCE Awards program is one of the world's longest running environmental award schemes. It celebrates businesses that the BCE independent judging panel recognises as meeting the commercial demands of the present, without compromising the environment for future generations... Read the full story »

Green Chemistry in Schools

"Benign by design," Green Chemistry is designed to have less impact on the environment by creating lower levels of waste and toxicity than traditional chemistry. Green chemistry is also a compelling way to assist teachers as they strive to interest middle school students (ages 9 - 13) and high school students (ages 14 - 18) in science and math.

• Learn more about the middle school and high school curricula Pfizer has developed in partnership with the Keystone Center and Beyond Benign

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• Return to the Product Stewardship Main Page
• Go to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

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