Chiesi, an international biopharmaceutical group, has published its 2023 sustainability report.
The recent sustainability report focuses on four areas: Patients, Planet, People, and Prosperity.
In 2023, Chiesi integrated its Shared Value & Sustainability and Global Strategy functions with key departments, forming the ‘Strategy, Sustainability, and Growth Unit.’
This unit aims to drive economic evolution and sustainable growth by leveraging diverse skills and perspectives.
Siham Imani, Head of the Unit, highlighted the importance of this integrative approach: “Uniting these departments and their diverse skills and perspectives, we’re pioneering a transversal approach to drive the company’s future economic evolution and sustainable growth.
“Through this integrative governance, we utilise our collective expertise to innovate and foster positive societal and environmental impact.”
Patients: Advancing innovation and health equity
Chiesi invested €720.8m (23.8% of sales) in Research and Development in 2023, holding over 6,200 global patents.
The Group is constructing a Biotech Center of Excellence, opening in fall 2024, to develop and produce biological medicines.
Chiesi introduced a unified Patient Journey Framework for continuous patient engagement and is working on a Health Equity strategy aligned with the UN Agenda 2030.
Planet: Climate transition plan for net zero by 2035
Chiesi aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035. In 2023, the company reduced Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 39% compared to 2019.
Chiesi is investing over €350m in a new pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) to reduce its carbon footprint by 90%.
The value chain is crucial in this effort, with Chiesi implementing the Code of Interdependence and earning the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for supplier performance.
People: Wellbeing, equality, and community development
Chiesi fosters a positive work environment and is certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ and ‘Top Employer.’
The company closed the gender pay gap in 2022, becoming the first Italian pharmaceutical company certified for Gender Equality by Bureau Veritas.
Committed to equal career advancement for all genders by 2030, they’ve launched targeted programmes.
This includes mentoring initiatives for women alongside comprehensive family-friendly policies.
Flexible work arrangements, training for new parents, equitable and extended parental leave, and economic and childcare support empower employees to thrive both at work and at home.
Recognising the connection between a healthy workforce and a healthy community, Chiesi’s strong corporate volunteering programme is another pillar of their commitment.
In 2023, over 2,000 employees (a remarkable 30.5% of the workforce) participated, contributing a staggering 16,656 hours – a 77.5% increase from 2022.
This dedication demonstrates Chiesi’s belief that employee wellbeing and community engagement go hand-in-hand.
Prosperity: Social and environmental responsibility
In 2023, Chiesi distributed 77% of its economic value to stakeholders and reinvested 23% for long-term growth.
Maria Paola Chiesi, Vice Chair at Chiesi Group, commented: “At Chiesi, we believe in the principle of ‘Do good, do well, repeat.’ This philosophy underscores our commitment to creating successful business solutions that benefit society and reinvesting in impactful initiatives.
“Through continuous innovation and strategic reinvestment, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, demonstrating that doing good and doing well are not only compatible but mutually reinforcing.”
GRI compliance and assurance
Chiesi’s 2023 Sustainability Report has voluntarily undergone external assurance in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
The GRI is an independent international organisation that aids businesses in understanding and communicating their impacts on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.
In light of the new European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, Chiesi Group is enhancing its data collection and reporting processes. This commitment ensures equal importance and integration of financial and sustainability reporting.
Strategic sustainable change
Chiesi has strategically embraced sustainable change, highlighted by its ambitious Sustainability Strategic Plan for 2023-2028.
This plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the company’s sustainable development.
The company previously adopted the legal form of a Benefit Corporation (in 2018 in Italy and the US; in 2021 in France) and became a certified B Corp in 2019.
These steps position environmental, social, and economic sustainability as key growth drivers.
