Good Distribution Practice - Universal Compliance Initiative
NOTICE OF PROJECT CLOSURE
June 2025
After very careful consideration, we regret to announce the formal closure of the GDP-UCI platform and the Integrated Pharmaceutical Eco-Lanes (IPEL) project. The IPEL initiative was launched with the aim of aligning Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliance with urgent climate goals, offering a structured, certifiable pathway toward more sustainable pharmaceutical supply chains. Despite widespread initial interest and positive dialogue with stakeholders across the sector, the project was ultimately unable to secure the active, sustained engagement needed to move from concept to implementation. Several key factors contributed to this outcome: 1. A gap between aspiration and action: While many pharmaceutical companies expressed broad support for sustainability goals, practical commitment—particularly at the operational level—remained elusive. 2. Structural limitations within the industry: Senior leadership often promotes environmental credentials as part of corporate reputation strategies, while mid-level managers (who may be genuinely motivated) are typically constrained by KPIs focused on core business metrics, leaving little scope for voluntary climate initiatives. 3. Financial viability: The platform and associated activities were largely self-funded and could not be maintained without wider industry investment or institutional backing. As a result, the GDP-UCI website and digital platform have now been deactivated, and the organisation is being wound down in an orderly manner. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those individuals and organisations who supported the project and engaged constructively. Your involvement is deeply appreciated. To all the others that were happy to sit on the sidelines and pontificate may I hope that, before it's not too late, you recognise that talk is not enough. The planet needs action. Urgently. We remain hopeful that future initiatives, perhaps more modest in scope or better aligned with evolving sustainabilityand regulatory landscapes, may one day build upon the foundation laid by GDP-UCI and IPEL. For any final inquiries, please contact: sanetandru@gmail.com Thank you and farewell.
