Advancing sustainability in UK API manufacturing through Workforce Foresighting

Why Workforce Foresighting matters

The rapid evolution of technology and policy in the pharmaceutical sector demands a proactive approach to workforce planning. The Workforce Foresighting Cycle, led by the CPI in collaboration with the Workforce Foresighting Hub, exemplifies how structured foresight can bridge the gap between future skills needs and practical action. This cycle focused on the elimination, substitution, reduction, and recycling of fossil-based solvents in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing – a critical step towards achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets and securing global leadership in sustainable medicines manufacturing.

What was the cycle about?

The foresighting cycle set out to identify the skills and capabilities required to implement sustainable solvent technologies into the development of new API manufacturing processes. Its objectives included:

• Mapping the skills needed for solvent elimination, substitution, reduction, and recycling.
• Addressing critical parts of the supply chain: medicines manufacturers, CDMOs/CROs, equipment manufacturers, and fine chemical/solvent suppliers.
• Defining 138 capabilities across 22 future occupational profiles (FOPs).
• Highlighting gaps in current education provision and recommending updates to CPD and curricula.

This work is vital because sustainable manufacturing not only supports environmental goals but also underpins the competitiveness and resilience of the UK’s life sciences sector.

Who was involved?

The cycle was a collaborative effort, bringing together:

• Industry: GSK, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Sterling Pharma Solutions, High Force Research, and industry consultants.
• Skills/Education: Heriot-Watt University, University of Leeds, University of Strathclyde, University of York, Scottish Colleges Science Group, Skills Development Scotland, Skills England.
• Technology/Policy: CPI, Pharmaceutical Environment Group (PEG), Office for Life Sciences.
• Sponsor: Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) – a strategic body linking industry, academia, and government, with the ability to influence policy and investment.

Insights into action

The foresighting cycle delivered tangible progress, moving from insight to action:

1. Dissemination and stakeholder engagement
The final report was shared with key stakeholders, aligning messaging with Net Zero and NHS sustainability mandates. Sector-wide engagement was delivered through digital channels and industry events.

2. Validation of critical skills gaps
Findings were reviewed with major stakeholders, confirming urgent gaps in Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability-by-design, and leadership for green process adoption.

3. Establishment of a cross-functional working group
A working group was convened, including representatives from industry, academia, and policy, to drive skills development, coordinate knowledge sharing, and monitor progress.

4. Industry engagement and workforce demand forecasting
MMIP and leading pharmaceutical companies began quantifying future workforce demand for roles such as green process engineers and sustainability strategists, informing training capacity planning.

5. Standards and curriculum development
Discussions with Skills England and curriculum leads explored updates to apprenticeship and degree programmes, embedding sustainability priorities – especially in areas like LCA, process intensification, and sustainable solvent technologies.

6. Content and CPD development
A roadmap was drafted for modular, stackable CPD content and curriculum integration, with priority topics including sustainability strategy, green chemistry, and digital tools for process optimisation. Funding discussions are underway to support development and pilot delivery.

7. Awareness and sector-wide adoption
Plans are in place to showcase findings and next steps through webinars, podcasts, and industry events, aiming to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices across the sector.

Why this matters: Economic and workforce impact

The strategic alignment of workforce planning with UK Net Zero and NHS sustainability mandates ensures that skills development supports national policy ambitions. Over 20 stakeholders collaborated to validate critical skills gaps and build consensus on the urgent need for technical and leadership capabilities in sustainable manufacturing.

By enabling sustainable manufacturing practices, the UK medicines sector can:

• Reduce operational costs.
• Improve global competitiveness.
• Attract inward investment.
• Create high-value roles (e.g. green process engineers, sustainability strategists).
• Support job growth and resilience in the life sciences sector.

The workforce foresighting cycle on sustainable solvent technologies has laid a robust foundation for transforming the UK pharmaceutical sector. Through extensive engagement and consensus-building, the process has validated critical skills gaps and set in motion a coordinated response – ensuring that workforce development is strategically aligned with emerging technologies and policy ambitions. The anticipated economic impact is substantial, with the creation of high-value jobs and strengthened sector resilience. Continued collaboration between industry, academia, and government will be essential to accelerate curriculum updates, deliver modular CPD, and embed sustainability into workforce standards – driving systemic change for the industry, workforce, and the UK as a whole.