Swiss-based ten23 health, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) known for its human-centric and sustainable approach, has officially been certified as a B Corporation (B Corp). This milestone makes ten23 health the first biotech and sterile drug product CDMO in the pharmaceutical sector to achieve such recognition, highlighting its commitment to meeting rigorous standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
B Corp certification is regarded as one of the highest standards for companies demonstrating social and environmental responsibility. To earn the certification, ten23 health underwent an extensive assessment that measured its impact on governance, workers, the community, the environment, and customers. The certification reflects the company’s dedication to operating transparently and with accountability, furthering its mission to promote sustainable business practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
Commitment to Ethical Standards
Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO of ten23 health, underlined the importance of achieving this prestigious certification:
“Companies like ours that operate in the pharmaceutical sector are used to the demands of a tightly regulated environment. We believe that it is not enough simply to state ethical and environmental aspirations; it is critical to voluntarily achieve ambitious and recognised standards like the B Corp certification. After all, our marketplaces are reliant on top ethical standards to protect the environment, professionals, and patients.”
The company’s Fairstainability agenda, which combines fairness and sustainability, was a key factor in ten23 health’s journey towards certification. Mahler added that the achievement of B Corp status reflects the company’s broader mission to leave a positive legacy, or “heart-print”, within the industry, benefiting customers, other CDMOs, and employees.
Two-Year Journey to Certification
According to Cedric Montagne, Sustainability Expert at ten23 health, the company began its B Corp certification process from the very beginning of its journey as a start-up. “We embarked on our B Corp journey from Day 1 onwards, with the firm ambition of creating lasting positive impacts,” said Montagne. He noted that the company earned “pending” status early in 2022, soon after its founding, and after two years of dedicated efforts, it is now proud to achieve full certification.
Setting New Benchmarks
Alissa Monk, Fairstainability Co-Officer at ten23 health, emphasised that the company’s goal has always been to exceed standard benchmarks and raise the bar for sustainability beyond regulatory requirements. “This certification is a validation of that commitment,” she stated.
Carole Schanté, another Fairstainability Co-Officer at the company, added: “We are proud to have received the certification and hope to inspire other companies and CDMOs to do the same, putting fairness and sustainability as a top priority.”
Leading a Global Movement
As a newly certified B Corp, ten23 health joins a global movement of businesses that prioritise social and environmental performance, using “business as a force for good.” The certification highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on employees, communities, and the environment, while maintaining high ethical standards in its operations.
The recognition serves as an important milestone not only for ten23 health but for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole, as more companies consider sustainable and transparent practices integral to long-term success.
