Top 10: Sustainable Healthcare Companies

The healthcare industry is shifting from traditional patient care to also focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The companies in this Top 10 now address decarbonisation, water stewardship and circular economy principles as part of their core business strategies. 

By pursuing net-zero supply chains, cleaner, high-tech manufacturing and just access-to-medicine programmes, the sector demonstrates the link between planetary health and human wellness.

Here we present the pharmaceutical companies leading in corporate responsibility, innovation and dedication to a healthier, increasingly sustainable future.

10. Boston Scientific

Founded: 1979

HQ: Marlborough, US

VP of ESG: Kathryn Unger

Net Zero Target: 2050

Aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, UnitedHealth Group is working to source 100% of its energy from renewable sources and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2030.

Elsewhere, the organisation has invested US$1.2bn in affordable and mixed-income housing developments as part of its commitment to addressing the social drivers of health and climate change.

The company has also established programmes to mitigate excessive water usage across its operations and broader supply chain.

8. Danaher

Elevance Health aims for net zero greenhouse gases by 2030, uses 100% renewable electricity, and encourages suppliers to adopt science-based targets.

Its initiatives include energy and water efficiency, responsible waste management and low-carbon commuting.

It also invests in climate resilience, supporting members and communities affected by climate events through disaster relief and medical aid.

Elevance recognises climate change as a health risk that affects respiratory health and heat-related conditions, making environmental action vital to its healthcare mission.

6. Medtronic

McKesson is taking up the climate challenge by procuring renewable energy, reducing waste, shifting to EVs and green buildings.

It aims to reduce direct GHG emissions by 50% by 2032 from a 2020 base year.

McKesson invested in a new 134MW solar project about 80km northeast of Houston, and as of 2025, 70% of McKesson’s suppliers, based on their spending on purchased goods and services, had set SBTi-approved GHG reduction targets.

4. Bayer

Haleon uses 100% renewable electricity across its production facilities and has a 2040 net zero target for carbon emissions from source to sale. This goal is consistent with principles from the Race to Zero and The Climate Pledge. 

The company aims to reduce virgin plastic use by one‑third by 2030. It is using a diverse range of raw materials for its packaging. Key initiatives include introducing recycle-ready mono-material toothpaste tubes and reducing plastic consumption by transitioning to bio-based or recycled alternatives. 

Approximately 50% of the company's packaging footprint is comprised of paper, with the overwhelming majority currently considered recycle-ready. For plastic, the business is prioritising the transition to recycle-ready formats for products sold in bottles and tubes, which together account for the largest share of its plastic packaging output.

Haleon also focuses on the sustainable procurement of core ingredients and implements water stewardship programmes.

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with interim targets including a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 levels and 80% renewable energy use by 2030.

Currently, more than 100 facilities operate entirely on renewable electricity. In 2024, Thermo Fisher reported a 29.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating significant progress toward its climate objectives.

Thermo Fisher Scientific evaluates product design, manufacturing, and recycling processes to minimise environmental impact throughout each stage. The company developed the Greener by Design system to help customers identify products with a reduced carbon footprint. A green leaf symbol indicates that a product meets at least one of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s sustainability standards.

These standards include reduced hazardous waste, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced packaging compared to previous or similar products. Green products may also incorporate recycled materials or ingredients from renewable sources.