Managing our business responsibly

These actions are motivated by Centrient’s brand promise of Quality, Reliability and Sustainability.

In 2018 and 2019, we continued to ensure patient safety and to set – and maintain – high standards for ethics and compliance. We also worked hard to safeguard the health and safety our workers. Through regular assessments, audits and feedback sessions, we extend our efforts to our suppliers and external partners.

The relevant 'priority topic’ for the Managing our business responsibly chapter is:

Our progress:

Doing business responsibly

At Centrient, we are committed to a high standard of transparency and professional ethics. Our work is delivered via a framework of sound governance and responsible practices. We adhere to governmental regulations and quality and environmental accreditations, as well as industry guidelines such as the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI).

Our Regulatory Affairs team plays an important part in helping to maintain and improve the quality of our medicines around the world. Their work is supported by a well-developed Quality Management system that ensures product quality and control over our processes and drives continuous improvement.

Ethics and compliance

As a market leader, it is important we conduct business with transparency and integrity at all times. In 2019, Centrient adopted the Guidelines for Disciplinary Sanctions that apply to all regions. The document provides guidelines for disciplinary actions when Centrient Group’s general rules of conduct have been violated, and to ensure a consistent approach throughout the company.

In 2020, we will implement a platform for a hotline and web-based reporting. Employees and third parties will be able to file a report on a confidential and anonymised basis via telephone or internet. We also recently introduced the new Centrient Code of Conduct.

Patient safety

To ensure their effectiveness, our active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are manufactured in a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)-controlled environment and undergo thorough testing before use.

Our enzymatic molecules used in the production of our APIs undergo extensive testing and clinical studies before being integrated into our products. We sponsor clinical trials, such as bioequivalence studies. And we always adhere to the highest global standards, even when local requirements are less stringent.

Responsible procurement and supply chain

We maintain close working relationships with our external partners and assess our supplier relationships through regular assessments, audits and feedback sessions. During 2018-2019, 73 audits were conducted, including periodic audits, through which 71 suppliers were approved.

In 2019, Centrient developed a sustainability Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) based on the PSCI principles for the assessment of new suppliers. We also conducted six supplier Sustainability audits, with three supplier sites audited for sustainability in 2018. In 2019, Centrient also assessed its supply chain on common antibiotic manufacturing framework guidelines published by Antimicrobial Resistance Industry Alliance (AMR IA).

Safety and health

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) are key focus points at Centrient. In 2018 and 2019, we continued to work hard to achieve an injury-free work environment and to positively influence employee behaviour.

Our safety performance nevertheless fell below expectations in 2019. Centrient’s Total Recordable Injury (TRI) index was 0.33 in 2019 (2018: 0.29). Having seen a solid improvement in our TRI rate since 2014, we will continue working hard to surpass our 2011 benchmark score.