Environmental (preview)

Environment

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Climate change

Climate change poses a direct threat to respiratory health by increasing the potential for allergen exposure. For example, climate change can extend pollen seasons and/or alter the distribution and abundance of allergenic plants. As a company focused on improving the lives of individuals with allergies, we recognize our responsibility to contribute to a healthier planet. Thus, we are committed to mitigating climate change in a manner that safeguards both the environment and people with allergies.

CO2 action plan

In order to reach our goal of 42% CO2 reduction by 2030, a number decarbonization levers are either planned or underway:

Increasing
renewable
energy share

Electrification
of company
fleet

Replacing
natural gas
appliances with
electric

Decreasing
refrigerant
chemical leaks

Energy
efficiency
measures at our sites

Progress on CO2 action plan

In 2024, scope 1 and 2 emissions were 2% lower than the 2022 baseline, primarily due to reduced natural gas usage from replacing a gas boiler with an electric one at ALK’s Hørsholm site. Refrigerant emissions decreased through improved maintenance and leak repairs. The company fleet emissions also dropped as ALK transitioned to electric vehicles, with full implementation expected soon. Scope 2 emissions reflect the purchase of renewable energy certificates across all sites.

ALK aims to reduce GHG emissions by 42% by 2030. Future investments in electric boilers will significantly aid in CO2 reduction. The share of suppliers with science-based targets rose to 37% (up from 33% in 2023), showcasing ALK’s commitment to engaging suppliers in CO2 emission reductions aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Pollution

ALK uses chemicals that fall within the scope of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. Substances of Concern (SoCs) are regulated on the basis of their potential environmental and health impacts.

Some of these chemicals may also appear on restricted or phased-out lists, such as the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), requiring careful management to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

ALK ensures compliance with local regulations and REACH requirements for chemical use and handling in production, and relevant actions and resources are evaluated and allocated at the operational level as appropriate.

Water

We work continuously to reduce our water usage, despite increasing our production and will be integrating water risk planning across our sites to effectively mitigate future water-related impacts and risks.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

From farm to pharma

A majority of our allergen source materials are cultivated at our farm in Post Falls, Idaho, USA. Here, systemic sustainable agricultural practices are implemented to minimize our impact on nature.

Resource use and circular economy

Waste

At ALK, we prioritize the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste, and promote responsible disposal practices where waste cannot be recovered. However, the highly regulated pharma industry imposes stringent quality and sterility standards that lead to plastic waste and restricts the use of circular products. The use of non-recycled paper, single-use aluminium and single-use plastics are required in ALK’s operations in production to maintain sterility and efficiency.