Sustainable and future-oriented: Galenica’s logistics companies take responsibility

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

From solar panels, to habitats for wild bees and electric vehicles, the sustainability initiatives of Galexis, Alloga and Unione Farmaceutica Distribuzione (UFD) are creative and effective.

Sustainability is of the utmost strategic importance in the Galenica network. Making an active contribution is firmly anchored in the vision and corporate management. All companies in the Galenica network contribute to sustainable business activities through their own initiatives. Logistics companies play an important role in this.

Green electricity, self-produced

At Galexis in Niederbipp, for example, a photovoltaic system was installed on the roof – enough to cover a third of the site’s electricity needs. A 300 m² solar installation has also been in operation at the Ecublens site since its modernisation. In addition, UFD now has a solar installation at its site in Barbengo, which was brought about in collaboration with Cerbios and Immobiliare Pharmapark. And since 2018, Solarstadt Burgdorf AG has been operating a photovoltaic system on the roof of Alloga, which accounts for a significant proportion of Burgdorf’s sustainable electricity production. Thanks to their ability to cover part of the electricity needs, these solar installations contribute to the security of supply in Switzerland.

Photovoltaic system on the roof of Alloga, Burgdorf in the background, nice weather
Photovoltaic system on the roof of Alloga, Burgdorf in the background, nice weather

Alternative propulsion systems in the vehicle fleet and biodiversity on the site

Galenica’s logistics companies are also working on innovative projects on the road. The first electric-powered delivery vehicles have been in operation in the greater Zurich area since early 2023 in collaboration with an external transport company. And the company’s first electric vehicle to comply with GDP (good distribution practice) has been doing the rounds from the Ecublens site since December 2023. The use of e-vehicles is part of Galexis’ sustainability strategy and is intended to help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in its vehicle fleet by 40% by 2028. Range is currently still the limiting factor for widespread use of such vehicles, but an important first step has been taken. In the future, Health Supply, a joint venture between Galenica and Planzer, will also test new propulsion systems, especially in urban areas.

The outdoor areas at the Galexis distribution centre in Niederbipp also help to preserve biodiversity. Last autumn, a wild bee park was built on previously unused grass, which is blooming for the first time this spring. Wild bees are an important part of our ecosystem, especially for pollinating plants. The Galexis site is the ideal habitat for bees.

Social commitment at the operational level and beyond

The Galenica Group is committed to social justice in a variety of ways – including in its logistics operations. Galexis has been donating towards the Shooting Star Foundation for many years. The foundation uses this money to make the wishes of children with illnesses or disabilities come true. Alloga has already worked with the Burgdorf Training and Work Centre for People with Recognised Support Needs (SAZ) for several years and employs a small team in several departments.

UFD has been committed to the circular economy since 2022 and enables employees to use the Circular Lugano service free of charge. This is a start-up from which various items such as tools and household appliances can be borrowed. In this way, Circular Lugano avoids unnecessary consumption and the associated need for energy and raw materials. UFD also donates discarded computers to the city of Lugano, thus keeping the devices in use, and also supports digital projects for the residents.

In environment and social matters alike, the logistics companies play a pioneering role at Galenica in terms of sustainability and make a huge contribution to the attainment of the Group-wide sustainability goals.

Find out more about Galenica’s sustainability strategy:

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