DFE Pharma has launched EcoLact 2030, a sustainability programme covering its lactose excipient portfolio that aims to deliver a verified 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions and provide pharmaceutical manufacturers with auditable data for Scope 3 reporting.

The initiative focuses on improving transparency and traceability across the lactose value chain, an area that remains challenging for pharmaceutical companies seeking to meet environmental, social and governance targets. Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions generated across the supply chain, are widely recognised as difficult to measure due to limited access to primary data and inconsistent reporting standards.

According to DFE Pharma, EcoLact 2030 provides customers with access to primary, traceable emissions data covering an accelerated 30% CO₂ reduction across its lactose portfolio. The company said the reductions are achieved without the use of offsets and are supported by performance-based sustainability incentives for farmers supplying raw materials.

Lactose excipients supplied under the EcoLact 2030 programme remain unchanged in terms of quality, performance and regulatory compliance, the company said. This is intended to allow pharmaceutical manufacturers to incorporate the materials into existing products without the need for additional qualification or changes to production processes.

Customers using EcoLact 2030-verified lactose will receive annual CO₂ reduction reports designed to support sustainability disclosures, including reporting aligned with CSRD and Science Based Targets initiative frameworks.

Sven Abend, ceo of DFE Pharma, said: “EcoLact 2030 reflects our commitment to lead in sustainable sourcing without compromising the quality our customers rely on. By providing verified data and transparent practices, we enable measurable progress toward climate goals while securing the operational continuity of our customers.”

Sustainability has become an increasing focus for pharmaceutical manufacturers as regulatory and investor scrutiny around emissions reporting intensifies. While many companies have set targets to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions often account for the majority of their overall carbon footprint, particularly in supply chains reliant on agricultural raw materials.

DFE Pharma said EcoLact 2030 builds on broader sustainability efforts across its operations and supply network. The company targets a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 2021 levels. Scope 3 emissions, including those related to forest, land and agriculture activities, represent the largest share of its emissions profile.

The Science Based Targets initiative has approved DFE Pharma’s near-term climate targets, which include a planned 30.3% reduction in Scope 3 FLAG emissions by 2030 compared with 2021. The company said improvements in agricultural practices and supply chain data quality are central to achieving these goals.

In 2025, DFE Pharma received an EcoVadis Gold rating for the second consecutive year, placing it among the top 5% of companies assessed globally. The assessment covers environmental performance, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

By linking emissions reductions to verified, traceable data at product level, DFE Pharma is positioning EcoLact 2030 as a tool to help pharmaceutical companies strengthen the credibility of their sustainability reporting while maintaining supply continuity. The company said the programme is available across its existing lactose excipient portfolio.