Aerial view of a winding road through dense green forest

Sustainability

Here at Somnifer we recognize that environmental strain can have tremendous consequences on public and societal health. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry faces significant risks through climate change and chemical pollution.

Our sustainability strategy is integrated into our business operations and guided by tested, globally recognized frameworks. We take strategic steps to reduce our impact, then rigorously reflect on and improve those steps every quarter.

What matters most to us

  • 01Prevention of chemical pollution
  • 02Recycling of materials
  • 03Green chemistry

Environment, Health & Safety

Our EHS policy follows a globally recognized framework, developed with support from third parties, to reduce carbon emissions and atmospheric pollution while limiting waste generation.

Regular internal and external audits and inspections ensure compliance with the corresponding EHS standards and regulations. Frequently submitted audits are done by local and federal environmental agencies

We are committed to national, provincial and local regulatory compliance. In the lab, we invest in sustainable solutions such as green solvents and reject synthesis pathways that rely on heavy metals where better alternatives exist.

Our EHS system is aligned with ISO 14001:2015

Recycling

Our deep focus on recycling is both financially viable and central to our ESG strategy. It helps us reduce our carbon footprint and make better use of every material in our operations.

We apply John Warner's 12 Principles of Green Chemistry throughout our work:

  1. 01

    Prevent waste

    Design chemical syntheses to prevent waste, leaving no waste to treat or clean up.

  2. 02

    Maximize atom economy

    Design syntheses so the final product contains the maximum proportion of the starting materials.

  3. 03

    Design less hazardous chemical syntheses

    Use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to humans or the environment.

  4. 04

    Design safer chemicals and products

    Create fully effective chemical products with little or no toxicity.

  5. 05

    Use safer solvents and reaction conditions

    Avoid using solvents, separation agents, orother auxiliary chemicals. If you must use these chemicals, use safer ones.

  6. 06

    Increase energy efficiency

    Run chemical reactions at room temperature and pressure whenever possible.

  7. 07

    Use renewable feedstocks

    Use starting materials (also known as feedstocks) that are renewable rather than depletable. The source of renewable feedstocks is often agricultural products or the wastes of other processes

  8. 08

    Avoid chemical derivatives

    Avoid blocking groups, protecting groups and temporary modifications that require extra reagents and create waste.

  9. 09

    Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents

    Minimize waste with catalysts that work in small amounts and can carry out a reaction many times.

  10. 10

    Design products to degrade after use

    Create products that break down into innocuous substances after use rather than accumulating in the environment.

  11. 11

    Analyze in real time to prevent pollution

    Use in-process monitoring and control during syntheses to minimize or eliminate the formation of byproducts.

  12. 12

    Minimize the potential for accidents

    Design chemicals and their physical forms (solid, liquid, or gas) to reduce the potential for chemical accidents.

Emissions

We aim to be climate-conscious with every new decision we make.

  • We monitor emissions across our operations from non-renewable fuels, including petrol, diesel and LPG.
  • We phase out equipment and solvents with a high ozone-depleting impact.
  • We transition to minimal or environmentally friendly refrigerants for air-conditioning units and laboratory chillers.
  • We continuously monitor NOx, SOx and particulate matter.
  • We operate within the limits stipulated by Dutch environmental authorities.