The Uriach Group is aware of the importance of sustainability and responsible actions. Our integrated Health and Safety at Work and Environment policy is a clear reflection on our commitment to the environment. Therefore, our actions are based on the following basic principles:

Commitment

• Strictly fulfilling legal issues on responsible social management and sustainability, and also all the issues to which the Uriach Group voluntarily supports.

• Preventing pollution, based on the following focus points:

  • Reducing or removing pollution at source: replacing hazardous raw materials with other less pollutant and harmful ones, process alterations.
  • Recovering, Reusing or Recycling: whenever possible, the materials used in processing or installing, or in external transfer.
  • Minimising the generation of waste and emissions so as to reduce their environmental impact.

Control mechanisms

Promoting the efficient use of natural resources, such as raw materials, energies and water resources, and promoting energy savings and efficiency in processes.

Encouraging, wherever viable, the use of best available techniques (BAT).

Helping the workers and the companies working with the Uriach Group to get involved in and take part in applying the principles contained in this policy.

Implementing the Prevention of Risks at Work and Environment Management System, implies continually improving the activities throughout the Group.

The Uriach Group works with the Government and companies within the sector, to draw up sectorial guidelines on managing the various Environment vectors.

Some of the activities that the Uriach Group performs to guarantee sustainability and respect for the environment are as follows:

The Integrated Packaging Management and Collection System, SIGRE
 
The pharmaceutical companies in the Group are part of the Integrated Packaging Management and Collection System, SIGRE, which was created and promoted by the pharmaceutical industry in Spain (laboratories, distributors and pharmacy offices). In addition to being a system for collecting out-of-date or obsolete medicines, it also applies Business Prevention Plans to encourage minimising package and packaging waste.

 
Commitment to Progress

The Urquima, S.A. Plant in Sant Fost de Campsentelles, which specialises in manufacturing pharmaceutical active ingredients, has taken part since 1992 in the Commitment to Progress. This initiative run by the worldwide chemistry industry promotes and demonstrates continual improvement in Safety, the Protection of Health, the Environment, Transport, Communication and Emergency Response, and also in Product Guardianship, according to the principles of Sustainable Development.

The ECOEMBES Integrated Management System
 
Also, Uriach Aquilea OTC, a company within the Group, is part of the Sistema Integrado de Gestión ECOEMBES, for collecting and managing consumer good packagings.