Medix Biochemica’s Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value within Medix Biochemica. From inception to production, we meticulously integrate eco-friendly materials and resource-efficient methods, minimizing our carbon footprint while delivering top-quality solutions.^1,2 We also make staff wellness a priority.¹ Find out what makes Medix Biochemica a sustainable in vitro diagnostics (IVD) raw material manufacturer and supplier.

An IVD raw material supplier with a passion for sustainability

Medix Biochemica champions the environment through sustainable in vitro diagnostics (IVD) raw material product design and numerous environmental strategies incorporated within the company. Our commitment also extends beyond our day-to-day operations as we work towards, shaping a more sustainable future for all.^1,2

The overall framework for our sustainability goals is built on the United Nations 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). These call for action and provide support for companies’ efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. Of the 17 SDGs, Medix Biochemica can contribute most significantly to:²

Sustainability has been a focus of Medix Biochemica for many years, and our annual management reviews cover sustainability topics as we look at the company’s environmental and social metrics to determine our current performance. We have had sustainability metrics in place since 2009, measuring our electricity, water and paper use, consumption of materials, sorting of waste and much more. At every Medix Biochemica site, there is a sustainability representative to lead local activities towards more sustainable choices. Together, the representatives form a global forum at Medix Biochemica to drive more sustainable business decisions and initiatives.¹

Here’s a look at how we do things at Medix Biochemica, to ensure sustainability in all our operations.

Animal-free production methods

When we produce our Medix Biochemica monoclonal antibodies at our Espoo site in Finland we use cell cultures in bioreactors instead of mice. Use of mice is a method still commonly employed by some other manufacturers. We were one of the first monoclonal antibody suppliers in the industry to do this and by being at the forefront of this trend already from the 1990's, we’ve improved sustainability in the industry as our competitors have followed suit.¹

In addition, by using bioreactors in production process instead of animals, we get the consistent product quality which is so highly valued by our customers.

This shift is an example of how improved sustainability can go hand in hand with improved quality – it just takes some innovative thinking and effort.¹

Sorting and recycling waste

We sort and recycle many of the materials used in our manufacturing process. We have a program in place to separate and recycle paper, cartons, metal, glass and plastics, as well as energy waste and e-waste (such as electronics and batteries).^1,2

We also dispose of any biohazards and hazardous chemicals responsibly. This waste is highly specialized and is therefore sent to institutions with specific handling capacity for such materials.¹

Reducing plastic consumption and waste

We have a comprehensive plastics recycling program in place at our headquarters in Finland, similar to the recycling programs already implemented in Finnish households.¹

Plastic is one of the biggest environmental problems today, with humans producing more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year.³ At Medix Biochemica, we’re looking for ways to reduce the use of plastics in our packaging, replacing them with more eco-friendly materials.^1,2 For example, several alternatives to use in place of styrofoam boxes are currently in the validation phase.¹ Changes like this help us, and our customers, to reduce plastic use and shrink our carbon footprint.^1,2

Reducing the use of hazardous chemicals

We actively look to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in our production process. Some of these actions are in the research and development phase, while others have already been implemented.¹

Responsible food consumption

At our headquarters, we partner with a canteen company that has strong sustainability practices. This includes serving sustainably produced food and CO₂-compensated coffee, as well as taking part in initiatives like Meatless October.

All our biowaste is collected and disposed of separately from other waste.

Promoting eco-friendly commuting and product transport

We encourage our employees to use more sustainable transport wherever possible.² We participate in initiatives like International Carless Day in September, when we provide rewards like a free breakfast for those who don’t come to the office by car.¹ We also have charging spaces available for those who drive electric vehicles, and bike storage and showers for eco-warriors who cycle to work.¹ Our company cars are low-emission models.¹

A vehicle on the road produces an average of nearly 1 lb (404 g) of CO₂ per mile.^4,5 Public transport or using an alternate means of transport is therefore much more sustainable than driving into the office in a private car. A move from private cars to public transport can reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions per individual per year.⁶

Medix Biochemica also looks for ways to make our product transportation more sustainable. Monoclonal antibodies are typically stable for one week at   35 °C (95 °F), and we have the potential to decrease the use of cold chain in the transport process.¹

Employee accountability

Every team and employee, from the CEO down, has a range of key results that are regularly reviewed. This includes sustainable actions, such as purchasing more sustainable materials, reducing scrap by reusing resources, or reducing paper consumption by using electronic systems.¹

Sustainable partnerships - Let’s work together

Medix Biochemica strives to make every stage of our process as sustainable as possible. We require sustainable actions from our supply chain and seek out responsible suppliers to work with. We provide our suppliers with a sustainability questionnaire and use a scoring system to rate their commitment to sustainability. 

We work collectively to address sustainability and we allow our customers to assess our sustainability.¹

Medix Biochemica is very willing to work collaboratively with both suppliers and customers to introduce environmentally friendly practices so that our entire chain can enjoy improved sustainability. Working together means we can make a greater overall impact on sustainability in the healthcare sector.

Our sustainability credentials

• EcoVadis: Medix Biochemica has joined the EcoVadis sustainability rating system in 2023 and was awarded a Bronze Medal at first response, outscoring more than 70% of companies rated by the system.² This score demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, and suppliers and customers are welcome to see our EcoVadis Certificate.² We aim to improve our score in the years to come and have detailed steps in place to achieve this.^1,2
  
  
• Responsible Care: We’ve been a member of the Responsible Care^® program for the chemical industry in Finland since 2017, reporting our sustainability metrics since 2016 data. This is a global voluntary sustainability program for the chemical industry initiated in 1985 that monitors companies’ energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and safety.

References:

1. Expert opinion. Interview with Hanna Kostia, Quality & ESG Director at Medix Biochemica. October 2, 2023.  
2. Sustainability. Medix Biochemica. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://www.medixbiochemica.com/sustainability.
3. Global plastic waste. Statista. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://www.statista.com/topics/5401/global-plastic-waste/.
4. How much CO2 does a car emit per mile: list by type, size, energy source. 8 Billion Trees: Carbon Offset Projects & Ecological Footprint Calculators. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://8billiontrees.com/carbon-offsets-credits/how-much-co2-does-a-car-emit-per-mile/.
5. Larsen D. Electric vehicles, emissions and fuel economy. SACE - Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://www.cleanenergy.org/blog/electric-vehicles-emissions-and-fuel-economy/.
6. Transportation. United Nations. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://www.un.org/en/actnow/transport.