The pharmaceutical industry has its roots deeply embedded in the ancient practice of using natural resources to cure ailments. What began as a quest to harness nature’s bountiful supply of medicinal plants has evolved into a sophisticated industry dedicated to improving human health. This transition was driven by the need to provide society with easier and more efficient access to therapeutic substances. At UQUIFA, this vision inspires our commitment to sustainability through the program Planet for a Better Life. By embracing UQUIFA sustainability Planet for a Better Life, we honor the legacy of nature while driving innovation for society’s future well-being.

One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the history of medicine is penicillin, an antibiotic that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. While working at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, Fleming observed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had contaminated his petri dishes and killed the surrounding bacteria. This serendipitous observation led to the realization that the mold produced a substance capable of destroying bacteria, which he named penicillin.

Penicillin’s journey from a laboratory curiosity to a life-saving drug involved significant efforts in research and production. During World War II, the demand for effective antibacterial treatments skyrocketed, prompting large-scale production initiatives. Pharmaceutical companies across the globe raced to synthesize penicillin, making it widely available to treat wounded soldiers and civilians alike.

Uquifa, a pioneering Spanish pharmaceutical company, was one of the firsts in Spain to synthesize penicillin in an industrial scale. Our commitment to innovation and excellence allowed us to play a crucial role in making this life-saving drug accessible to those in need. Our early adoption of penicillin synthesis is a testament to our dedication to advancing healthcare and improving lives. This pioneering spirit continues today under UQUIFA sustainability Planet for a Better Life, where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.

Today, Uquifa Group is a great example of how far the pharmaceutical industry has come. We know that we have achieved much because of what nature and our ancestors taught us, and we believe it is time to give back to the environment and society what they so generously shared with us, so that future generations can continue to benefit from nature’s bounty and of a fairer society.

Our mission is to honor the legacy of our origen by preserving the planet that has given us so much. Join us on this journey of discovery and sustainability. Together, through UQUIFA sustainability Planet for a Better Life, we can create a fairer society and a healthier planet for future generations..

Corporate Sustainability Policy

Sustainability Report

[EN] [ES]

Non-Financial Information Statement

as of 31st March 2024 [EN] [ES]

Uquifa’s ESG strategy for a sustainable future

The UN endorsed the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in 2015, giving nations and their society the chance to forge ahead on a new path to improve everyone’s quality of life while leaving no one behind. 17 Sustainable Development Goals are included in the agenda, ranging from eradicating poverty to battling climate change, education, women’s equality, environmental protection, and city planning.

ESG criteria

We believe in the importance of sustainability in human rights, labour standards, environment, and anti-corruption.

UQUIFA is a signatory of the UN Global Compact, and we are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our strategy is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN to make the world a better place by 2030.

Environmental, Social and Governance

To meet the current challenges, the Uquifa Sustainability Strategy 2030 always considers three fundamental dimensions: the ESG criteria. In other words, the Environmental, Social, and Governance pillars.

Our Guiding Principles

Avoid corruption at all levels

A fundamental value.

Environmental sustainability

Drive sustainable environmental development of our products respecting people's health.

Taxation responsibility

Follow transparently all tax and accounting regulations.

Protect ourselves and third parties

Protect the result of our work and respect the right of third parties.

Cooperate with our auditors or inspectors

Both national and international.

Free trade principles

Respect and comply with all Laws.

Respect international laws

Compliance at national and international level

Good working conditions

Offer our personnel a good working environment based on respect and avoiding discrimination.

Avoid conflicts of interest

Mediation is the key to overcome corporate and personal interest.

Continuous improvement

The will to improve day by day.

How we are doing it

Adhesion to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps businesses and financial institutions worldwide fight climate change. SBTi provides tools and guidance for companies to set and achieve science-based climate goals, making it easier for them to do their part in tackling the global climate crisis.

At Uquifa, we are proud to be ISO 14000 certified! This voluntary certification highlights our commitment to top-notch environmental management. ISO 14000 helps us shrink our environmental footprint, stay on top of regulations, and keep improving. We are all in on sustainable practices for a brighter, greener future. Join us on this journey!

At Uquifa, we verify our compliance with the UN’s ESG strategy through EcoVadis, an independent entity. This voluntary verification applies to all companies and sectors. While our group companies start from different levels, we’re working hard to unify these standards. Our goal is to achieve Platinum status as group by 2030, demonstrating our dedication to sustainability and excellence.

We are aligned with the Luxembourg Declaration on Workplace Health Promotion in the European Union. By adhering to these principles, we are committed to integrating health promotion into our organizational culture, fostering well-being, and improving the overall quality of life for our employees. This not only supports our team’s health and safety but also enhances productivity and long-term sustainability.

We proudly uphold the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. By joining this initiative, we have embraced ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. These shape our operations and strategies, ensuring we contribute to sustainable development while fostering ethical, transparent, and inclusive business practices that benefit both our employees and the wider community.

At UQUIFA, we proudly support the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a UN initiative promoting gender equality in the workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture, ensuring equal opportunities, fair treatment, and eliminating gender bias. This reinforces our dedication to diversity, advancing leadership opportunities for women, and driving sustainable growth.