How J&J is Supporting Decarbonisation & Circularity

The healthcare industry accounts for around 4% of the world's carbon emissions according to the World Economic Forum.

In order for nations to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, this sector needs to decarbonise and lessen its impact on the climate. 

Johnson and Johnson (J&J) is focused on the healthcare sector and is best known for its brands like Tylenol, Neutrogena, Listerine and Nicorette, amongst various other household staples.

J&J has been ranked tenth in Sustainability Magazine's Top 250 World's Most Sustainable Companies 2025 list for its work surrounding lowering emissions and promoting a circular economy. 

What J&J is doing to reduce emissions

J&J says that it has been working towards climate related goals for more than 30 years. 

It has set out clear science-based targets, including:

• Using 100% electricity derived from renewable sources by 2025
• By 2030 to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 44%
• For 80% of suppliers to have emissions reduction goals supported by science based targets
• Achieve net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2045

In order to tackle climate challenges, J&J partners with various others with the aim to drive innovation, support decarbonisation and improve environmental footprint. 

It also aims to support a diverse energy mix, with a goal of reducing carbon emissions through boosting energy efficiency. 

Paulette Frank, Chief Sustainability Officer at J&J, says: “We are wasting no time making progress because we know there is no time to waste, the world needs bold climate action to advance both human and planetary health.”

How can the healthcare sector support a circular economy?

The company is working towards a circular economy with the implementation of several initiatives.

Alongside hospitals in Europe and New Zealand, J&J is supporting a movement to recycle disposable medical instruments that were originally designed for single use. 

J&J has implemented the Safe Returns program, allowing customers to return home administered devices back to the hospital and working towards recycling or reusing the products.

The company has also taken part in the Digital Health in a Circular Economy collaborative, working towards tackling the effects of digital health services on the planet. 

Within J&J’s Immunology self injectable device line, plastic trays have been replaced with a fibre-based material that can be recycled like cardboard.

How is decarbonisation related to pharmaceuticals? 

In order to meet the needs of patients, doctors, nurses and customers, J&J says it has advanced climate adaptation strategies to support the reliability of operations and supply chains throughout the changing environment. 

J&J has several partnerships and collaborations that support the healthcare sector.

The United Kingdom’s NHS Sustainable Development Unit and Sustainable Healthcare Coalition is supporting the world’s first guidance on measuring carbon footprint of pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Amongst various other collaborations, the company also works with the American Chemistry Society’s Green Chemistry Institute's Pharmaceutical Roundtable, which aims to integrate green chemistry and engineering into the pharmaceutical industry.

Paulette says: “Johnson & Johnson’s relentless focus on solving the world’s toughest health challenges inspires our commitment to environmental stewardship – because human health and environmental health are inextricably linked.

“From our global, science-based approach to climate action, to our community-based support for health workers and clinics on the front lines of climate change, we put the patient and the planet at the centre of our sustainability efforts.”