Haleon Advances Sustainable Packaging and Decarbonisation in Healthcare

Haleon, the global health company behind well-known brands such as Sensodyne, Centrum, and Panadol, is making significant strides in sustainable packaging and reducing its environmental footprint. Their sustainability strategy prioritises both inclusive health and climate action, reflecting a commitment to improving global health outcomes while protecting the planet.

Key Sustainability Achievements and Goals

• Recognition: Ranked #34 in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 Sustainability Companies for 2025, highlighting rapid progress since embedding sustainability across operations.
• Carbon Neutrality Target: Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2040.
• Interim Emission Reductions: Aims for a 100% reduction in net Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline; already achieved a 50% reduction as of 2024. Plans a 42% reduction in more complex Scope 3 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2022).
• Renewable Energy Initiatives: Entered a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement in 2024 supporting a major European solar farm, electrifying heat production, and transitioning energy consumption to renewables.

Decarbonising the Healthcare Supply Chain

Haleon is extending its decarbonisation efforts beyond direct operations to include suppliers, encouraging renewable energy use across the supply chain. Efforts also focus on:

• Reducing energy consumption through electrification and cleaner fuel alternatives.
• Implementing carbon offsets for residual emissions related to heat production.
• Redesigning products to minimise carbon-intensive raw materials and packaging.

Recycle-Ready Packaging Commitments

Haleon has set ambitious packaging goals to support circular economy principles:

• Plastic Reduction: Targeting a 10% reduction in virgin petroleum-based plastic use by 2025 and a 33% reduction by 2030 (against 2022 levels).
• Material Innovation: Transitioning to recycled plastics, bio-resins, and mono-material packaging compatible with existing recycling systems.
• Recycle-Ready Packaging by 2025: Defined as packaging materials that can be processed in current recycling infrastructure.
• Recyclable or Reusable Packaging by 2030: Ensuring all packaging meets these standards for sustainability.
• Paper Packaging: Working towards deforestation-free supply chains by 2030, sourcing all paper from recycled or certified sustainable origins. Paper currently comprises around half of Haleon’s packaging footprint.

Leadership and Vision

Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, emphasises the company’s role in addressing social and environmental barriers to health. By leveraging its extensive reach and expertise, Haleon aims to empower consumers worldwide to take control of their health sustainably.

Chris Low, Head of Sustainability, Procurement, and Packaging, acknowledges the collaborative efforts of teams, suppliers, and partners that fuel these sustainability achievements.

Haleon’s dedicated approach exemplifies how healthcare companies can integrate environmental responsibility into their business models — balancing product innovation, supply chain decarbonisation, and packaging advancements to build a resilient and sustainable future.

Tags: sustainability, net zero, emissions reduction, healthcare, recyclable packaging, supply chain decarbonisation

Source: Healthcare Digital, November 3, 2025

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