The PSCI Supplier Partnership - Collaboration for Responsible Supply Chains

About the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative

The Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI) is the leading, member-led association for pharmaceutical companies working collaboratively to build responsible supply chains. Founded in 2006 and established as a non-profit in 2013, we are powered by our member companies who represent over 70% of the pharma industry and more than $1.2tn revenue collectively.

Through the PSCI, Supplier Partners…

·       Demonstrate leadership: Demonstrate commitment to the PSCI Principles by sharing audits and completing the Maturity Models.

·       Engage with Members: Register interest in PSCI Teams and Committees to receive regular updates and provide input on PSCI activities (subject to invitation).

·       Dedicated Forum: Share views at quarterly discussion forums on topics such as PFAS regulations, Decarbonisation, and Business Resiliency.

·       Preferred collaborators: Collaborate with PSCI Members on projects and present at PSCI conferences and events (subject to invitation).

·       Special access: Access customized content and audits uploaded by other companies (subject to approval of the audited company and sponsor).

·       Gain recognition: Enjoy recognition as a Supplier Partner and use the ‘PSCI Supplier Partner’ badge externally.

Joining the program

Supplier Partnership is the fastest growing category of PSCI. In the two years since launch, 25 suppliers have joined the program with many more on track to complete the onboarding requirements. Any pharmaceutical or healthcare supplier is welcome to join the program. To participate, they must ensure their online profile is correct and share all immediately available PSCI audits of their sites (which must represent >20% of business) and all critical and major findings must be closed.

To qualify for Supplier Partnership, companies must either manufacture components or ingredients, manufacture finished pharmaceutical or medical products supplied under clients’ brand names or licenses (CMO) or provide “white label” services (CDO, CRO).

Interview with Pierre Reuse, Global Head of Sustainability at PSCI Supplier Partner Lonza

What does engagement with PSCI mean for Lonza and what motivated the move from Full Membership to Supplier Partnership?

Having been involved in the PSCI for almost 10 years, I know that PSCI is a true community of experts. PSCI’s direction comes from people who really understand the issues in the pharmaceutical supply chain. As a CDMO, Full PSCI Membership wasn’t fully suited to us, due to the audit requirements and differing business model compared to our peer Members. Moving into Supplier Partnership made things clearer, as it gives suppliers like us a dedicated place to contribute, and over time it will amplify our voice more effectively.

How has Supplier Partnership supported Lonza’s responsible business and sustainability goals?

Our association with PSCI is valuable to Lonza due to its strong reputation. Aligning ourselves with the PSCI helps demonstrate internally and externally that we are doing the right things. Training, information on key PSCI initiatives, and the audit platform helps us to understand where the industry is heading. I also appreciate being a part of a community, for example, hearing from suppliers with different levels of maturity through the Supplier Partner Forums.

What benefits have you experienced as a Supplier Partner and has it helped to amplify Lonza’s voice?

For us, the biggest benefit is the visibility and insight into the direction of responsible supply chain management in the pharmaceutical industry. PSCI publications help us understand both the maturity and expectations of ourselves and our own customers, whilst Partnership enables a dialogue through which our experiences are heard and understood. For example, raising the importance of PFAS helped us benchmark our position and understand how we compare to our peers.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about PSCI’s direction?

Looking ahead, I see an opportunity for more collaboration between suppliers and Members on important issues, ensuring both voices are heard. I also value that PSCI tends to be ahead of legislation and helps us to shape approaches that will eventually become regulatory expectations. For Lonza, being part of that dialogue enables us to prepare proactively and better serve our customers.