Success story: EMS raises its sustainability standard by joining Global Zero Waste

EMS is the largest pharmaceutical laboratory in Brazil and part of Grupo NC. With more than six decades behind it, the company has led the national market for 20 consecutive years and employs more than 7,300 people.

Its work spans several segments of the pharmaceutical industry, including prescription medicines, generics, branded medicines, OTC (over-the-counter) and non-retail. Its diverse portfolio covers practically every area of medicine, reinforcing the company's relevance on the regional and international stage.

EMS's production structure is spread across different regions of the country. Its industrial complex is in Hortolândia (São Paulo), home to the Research and Development Centre — the most advanced in Latin America — and the solid-dose packaging plant. The group also has units in Jaguariúna (SP), Brasília (DF), São Jerônimo (RS) and Anápolis (GO), as well as Novamed, in Manaus, considered one of the largest solid-medicine factories in the world.

Its international presence widens the brand's reach. EMS operates in Serbia through the pharmaceutical company Galenika; in Italy, through the research laboratory Monteresearch; and in the United States, with Vero Biotech and Brace Pharma. It currently has commercial relationships with 56 countries and holds around 100 patents granted or under review in Brazil and abroad (including the United States and Europe), which shows its clear vocation for innovation and technological development.

The company's commitment goes beyond production. Consistent initiatives in the social, educational, cultural and sporting fields reinforce its purpose of promoting health and quality of life in a broad and integrated way.

Why join

Joining Global Zero Waste reinforces EMS's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The move reflects the maturity of the company's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy and marks the start of a new stage in its corporate environmental management.

Novamed, the EMS unit in Manaus, was chosen to begin the certification process. The decision signals the intention to strengthen the culture of sustainability across the group, adopting a waste management model capable of guiding and inspiring future initiatives at all its plants.

Challenges and opportunities

Implementing the Zero Waste Management System is a technical and institutional step forward. Through this process it will be possible to map critical points, restructure operational flows and increase efficiency in the use of resources.

EMS is running this certification with a focus on practical results. Waste management becomes a strategic axis of innovation and competitiveness. Adopting circular practices contributes to generating social and environmental value, strengthens the company's reputation in the pharmaceutical sector and widens the positive impact of its operations.

Governance structure

The initiative sits with the Health, Environment and Safety (EHS) area, backed by senior management, which secures the resources and strategic alignment the project needs. In parallel, the operational teams take part in training focused on embedding the practices proposed.

This governance model promotes integration between different areas and guarantees coherence between the institutional position and the sustainability actions carried out.

Results achieved

With this alliance, EMS sets targets aimed at the continuous improvement of its environmental management. The focus is on reducing waste generation, increasing recycling rates and raising operational efficiency. These advances strengthen the company's sustainable performance and consolidate its position as a sector leader.

The strategy foresees the gradual involvement of other units in the group and of partners in the supply chain, widening the reach and consistency of the results.

What sets EMS apart

EMS's track record reflects maturity and coherence in bringing together innovation, responsibility and sustainable performance. The direct involvement of its leaders and the ability to mobilise teams are what set the company apart in the corporate environment.

Choosing Novamed as the pilot unit for the roll-out was strategic. The experience gained will be the basis for extending the management model to other operations, consolidating an internal sustainability standard aligned with the global guidelines of Global Zero Waste.

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