Following our recent sustainability webinar and Q&A session with M3 Global Research’s Group Sustainability Manager, Arjun Anand, one thing was clear: pharma suppliers and healthcare agencies are eager to act — but unsure where to begin.
From reporting regulations to the difference between greenwashing and greenhushing, we received a wide range of questions. So we’ve gathered the most frequently asked ones and provided clear, honest answers to help you take the next step forward — wherever you are on your sustainability journey.
1.) Where should we start if we don’t have a sustainability team?
You don’t need a dedicated sustainability department to begin making progress. Start with a materiality assessment - a process that helps you identify what ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) issues matter most to your business, your clients, and your wider impact.
Once you know what’s relevant, consider tools like:
- EcoVadis (for sustainability ratings used by pharma clients)
- Carbon accounting platforms (for tracking your emissions and energy use)
The key is to focus on what’s material and manageable - not everything at once.
2.) What’s the difference between greenwashing and greenhushing?
It’s a great question — and both can be harmful in different ways.
- Greenwashing = Making exaggerated or misleading claims about how sustainable your company is.
- Greenhushing = Staying silent about your sustainability efforts out of fear they’re not “good enough.”
Instead, aim for authentic transparency. As Arjun put it in the webinar:
“Sustainability isn’t about being perfect — it’s about progress. Companies should share their journey, even the messy parts.”
Your clients will appreciate honesty more than polished perfection.
3.) Are sustainability efforts really worth it for small agencies?
Absolutely. You don’t need a large footprint to make a meaningful impact.
Small changes — like switching to cloud providers that use renewable energy, reducing unnecessary travel, or partnering with ethical suppliers — can significantly reduce your environmental impact over time.
Plus, more and more pharma clients are making ESG performance a deciding factor in vendor selection. Even if you’re small, your credibility matters.
4.) Do we need to publish a sustainability report?
It depends on your company size, sector, and location. Some regions require sustainability reporting by law, especially for larger businesses. But even if it’s not mandatory for you, it can be a strategic advantage.
Voluntary sustainability reporting can:- Build trust with clients
- Demonstrate transparency
- Help win contracts by aligning with procurement requirements
- Keep you accountable as your strategy evolves
Start simple: share your commitments, progress, and what you’re working on. No need for a 50-page PDF if a single landing page will do the job.
5.) What is CSRD and should I care if I’m not in the EU?
Yes - and here’s why.
CSRD stands for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, a new EU regulation that requires large companies to publicly report their sustainability performance in a standardised way.
Even if you’re not based in the EU, if your clients are subject to CSRD, you’ll likely be expected to support their reporting with your own ESG data.
In other words: if you’re in the supply chain of a pharma client with EU operations, you’re part of the story. Being proactive now will make future collaborations smoother — and protect your competitive edge.
Want to dig deeper into what CSRD means for you — and how to prepare?
Check out our plain-English breakdown: What the Heck is CSRD? (And Why Pharma Suppliers Should Care)
