As a biopharmaceutical company, UCB Farchim’s mission is to maximise its positive impact on society. The company is committed to developing environmentally friendly solutions, and to ensuring equitable access to them. Its drug production site in Bulle, Switzerland, which has been operational for almost 30 years, plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
Integrating sustainability into their strategy is essential. The company believes that raising awareness and collaborating with employees, industrial neighbours and external organisations is crucial. This fosters mutual learning, innovation, and the deployment of creative solutions.
Since August 2021, UCB Farchim SA in Bulle has been a proud member of the Swiss Triple Impact programme. This commitment is an important step in the Gruyère site’s approach to sustainability, aiming to integrate social, environmental and economic concerns into all activities while ensuring balance between these three pillars. This year, UCB’s Swiss site is one of the 10 most attractive companies in the country, taking first place in the ranking for the chemicals/pharmaceuticals sector. The Best Employers in Switzerland survey analysed 35 criteria, including various sustainability-related areas such as responsible resource management, the environmental impact of operations, and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions
“At UCB, we believe that sustainability is a powerful driver of growth. We are committed to developing environmentally-friendly solutions and guaranteeing fair access to them by integrating sustainable practices into all our activities. UCB Farchim’s production site in Bulle plays a pivotal role in this approach. We recognise the importance of collaborating with experts, academics, authorities and our industrial neighbours. This collaboration enables us to share our experiences, innovate together and maximise our positive impact on society and the planet. “
– Fabrice Véricel, Site Manager, UCB Farchim
UCB Farchim’s areas of sustainable commitment
Based on the areas of impact prioritised by the UCB Group, UCB’s Bulle subsidiary has identified 4 major areas of sustainable commitment:
A path to sustainable performance
In terms of sustainable performance, UCB aims to have a positive impact on the planet and society. To this end, the company has set targets for achieving zero net emissions by 2045*, innovating in resource management, and strengthening its commitment to society, with the aim of creating sustainable value for patients and local communities.
As the company grows, its members increasingly recognise the importance of collaborating with experts, academics, authorities and other industry professionals. Such partnerships allow us to share knowledge, innovate together, and maximise its positive impact on society and the planet.
Specific programmes have been deployed to accelerate the integration of certain considerations into activities. These programmes operate according to a project methodology with dedicated objectives, budget and resources, all of which are overseen by a sustainability committee. A robust local governance structure ensures that all programmes are monitored, particularly those relating to employee safety, health and wellbeing, environmental protection, fostering an inclusive culture, and ethical practices.
Below are a few examples of the actions and commitments made to employees in 2024:
Further information about the programmes and various actions can be found in the 2024 Sustainable Performance Report for the Bulle site (link).
At UCB, employees ensure that suppliers’ behaviour aligns with the company’s values and commitment to responsible business practices. Support is also offered to help suppliers set up low-carbon operations. Thanks to stricter selection criteria, UCB gives preference to suppliers with Science Based Targets, while incorporating sustainability clauses into contracts. The aim is for 80% of suppliers generating emissions from purchased goods and services to have Science Based Targets by 2030.
Conclusion
UCB Farchim SA is committed to sustainability as an ongoing and collaborative journey. The company aims to maximise its positive impact on society and the environment by integrating sustainable practices into its business model and working closely with employees, suppliers and partners. Raising awareness, collaboration and sharing experiences lie at the heart of its strategy to innovate and deploy creative solutions that benefit everyone.
UCB is committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by 2045 (based on 2019 levels), and to neutralising the remaining emissions (targets aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)).
Follow in the footsteps of UCB Farchim and commit your company to a concrete approach to sustainability.
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