Reducing chemical impact in pharma manufacturing - The Bioguard way
In healthcare settings, particularly in high-risk areas such as Operating Theatres (OTs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), maintaining rigorous hygiene standards is essential for patient safety
The pharmaceutical industry, which accounts for 37.2% of the waste produced in the healthcare system, highlights the magnitude of the problem. [1]
This excessive waste, combined with the reliance on aggressive chemicals along with additional cleaning chemicals (e.g. Teepol, Dettol and other similar surfactants), not only jeopardizes equipment integrity but also leaves a lasting impact on ecosystems.
As the global demand for more sustainable practices continues to rise, pharmaceutical manufacturers are seeking innovative solutions to reduce their chemical footprint. The industry is at a crossroads, requiring solutions that not only ensure safety and efficacy but also align with environmental goals.
One of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers has implemented nature-based solutions to offset industrial waste impacts, reducing waste by 7% and recovering 43% through reuse and recycling in 2021.[2]
Bioguard steps up to this challenge with an innovative combined disinfectant and cleaning solution in one that significantly reduces chemical use.
This article explores three effective ways in which Bioguard helps reduce chemical reliance, providing users both environmental and economic benefits.
Current Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Regarding Chemical Usage
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly regulated and complex process, where cleanliness and disinfection play a central role in ensuring the safety and quality of finished pharmaceutical products. In the past, the industry has relied on harsh and additional cleaning chemicals (e.g. Teepol, Dettol and other similar surfactants) for both cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, production areas, and storage facilities.
The pharmaceutical industry faces numerous difficulties, including the environmental impact of chemical waste, strict regulatory requirements, and the growing demand for safer, greener alternatives. Moreover, the handling, storage, and disposal of multiple varieties and categories of chemicals can increase operational costs and the risk of exposure to harmful substances for employees.
Advanced Formulations Minimize Chemical Consumption
Bioguard's advanced formulations are designed to minimize chemical consumption while maintaining high efficacy. By combining disinfection and cleaning in a single product, Bioguard eliminates the need for multiple additional surfactants & cleaning chemicals (e.g. Teepol, Dettol and other similar surfactants) reducing overall chemical use, cleaning times and environmental impact and most importantly cost.
- Scientific Breakdown of Formulation Efficacy: Bioguard’s products are scientifically formulated to provide maximum efficacy with fewer chemicals or virtually no requirement of additional chemicals. This not only lowers the environmental impact but also reduces costs associated with chemical procurement and disposal.
- Effective Against Harmful Pathogens: Bioguard’s solutions provide proven effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens recommended by USP-1072, including bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas), fungi (like Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis), and spores (such as Clostridium sporogenes and Bacillus subtilis). Our cleaning and disinfection solutions achieve a minimum log 5 reduction within just 30 seconds of contact time, ensuring they meet the gold standards of efficacy and validation required by the pharmaceutical industry.
The Problem with Traditional Chemical Use in Pharmaceutical
Traditional chemical use in pharmaceutical facilities involves multiple specialised products, each with its own set of risks and regulatory challenges. This approach leads to higher product and associated cleaning costs, complex inventory management, and increased environmental and health risks.
The commonly held belief that rotating multiple disinfectants helps prevent resistance development lacks scientific validation. As Dr. Tim Sandle has pointed out, there is no proven theory or assumption supporting this practice. [3]
Bioguard’s Biochem offers a more effective approach by combining multiple quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) with surfactants. With the power of Biochem's differing actives it is virtually impossible for pathogens to develop resistance providing a higher level of bio security in your production facilities than traditional alternatives.
- Multiple Products, Multiple Risks: Pharmaceutical facilities typically rely on several specialized chemicals. Each chemical has specific risks, whether related to human health, environmental sustainability, or regulatory compliance. For example, long-term exposure to harmful chemicals can create safety risks for pharma workers. Moreover, improper handling or mixing of these chemicals ( aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide and surfactants etc.) can lead to severe consequences, such as the inactivation of critical substances that are essential for pathogen eradication. This may trigger the release of hazardous gases, exacerbating the risks within the facility. Implementing stringent safety measures and precise chemical management is crucial to mitigating these potential dangers and ensuring both worker safety and product efficacy.
- Environmental and Regulatory Pressures: The pharmaceutical industry faces increasing regulations and penalties surrounding chemical use and waste disposal. There is growing pressure to implement greener practices to meet sustainability goals.
For instance, the global pharmaceutical industry generated revenues totalling around $1.6 trillion in 2023, highlighting the scale and impact of the sector.
Top 3 Ways Bioguard Cuts Down Chemical Use in Pharma
• Advanced Formulation for Maximum Efficacy with Less Product
Smarter Chemistry for Better Results: Bioguard’s unique formulation achieves superior disinfection and cleaning in one application with fewer chemicals. The science behind the effectiveness of Bioguard in smaller quantities lies in the power of Biochem the unique chemistry we have created for high performance cleaning and disinfection, which ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection without the need for multiple products. All Bioguard products are sporicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal and virucidal.
• One Solution for Multiple Applications
Pharmaceutical facilities often depend on a range of specialized separate chemicals for different applications, surface cleaning, disinfecting, sterilisation, and more. This results in complex cleaning SOP’s, procurement, storage, and inventory management. Bioguard simplifies this process with its 2-in-1 solutions, which consolidate the need for multiple products into one highly effective formula.
Streamlining Operations: Bioguard offers a versatile and multifunctional solution that addresses multiple cleaning and disinfecting needs within pharmaceutical environments. Rather than relying on multiple products for different cleaning tasks, Bioguard’s disinfectants and cleaning solutions can be used effectively across a wide range of applications. This means that a single product can handle everything from disinfecting machinery, work surfaces, and production lines to sanitizing storage rooms and floors without damage.
Reduced Product Variety: By consolidating multiple products into one, Bioguard significantly reduces the amount of products needed, simplifying cleaning SOP’s, freeing up valuable storage space and reducing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of excess cleaning products.
Cost Savings: The financial benefits of adopting Bioguard’s multifunctional disinfectants are considerable. The reduction in the number of cleaning and disinfectant products, simplified cleaning SOP’s impacts the cost structure of pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. From cleaning and procurement to storage and waste disposal, Bioguard helps reduce the total cost of cleaning and disinfecting by offering an efficient, all-in-one solution.
• Measurable Results and Industry Impact
Quantifiable Reduction in Chemical Consumption: Bioguard's advanced formulations significantly reduce chemical consumption. Pharmaceutical companies have reported notable decreases in chemical usage after adopting Bioguard's cleaning solutions, simplifying storage and handling requirements.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Bioguard's eco-friendly products lower environmental impact by reducing chemical emissions and waste. It means fewer packaging materials and lower transportation needs, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
Regulatory Compliance Advantages: Bioguard's products comply with stringent environmental and safety regulations, helping companies avoid fines and legal issues. Their solutions simplify regulatory reporting and auditing, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring compliance.
Looking ahead
Bioguard's approach not only addresses current challenges but also positions pharmaceutical manufacturers for future success.
By implementing Bioguard's cleaning and disinfection solutions, manufacturers can achieve the perfect balance between maintaining stringent hygiene standards and reducing their environmental impact. The result is a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective cleaning program that meets all regulatory requirements while supporting corporate environmental goals.
For more information about how Bioguard can help your facility reduce chemical reliance while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, visit our website for a comprehensive assessment of your specific needs.
