How Novo Nordisk & Maersk are Partnering for Sustainability

Many companies are transitioning toward more sustainable operations, though some fear this could compromise efficiency.

In pharmaceutical logistics, organisations must deliver life-saving treatments swiftly while maintaining both quality and sustainability.

That’s why Novo Nordisk and Maersk have joined forces to make pharmaceutical logistics not only greener but also more efficient.

A collaboration built on shared purpose

Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical firm, is dedicated to treating, preventing and curing chronic diseases. For over a century, it has advanced medical innovation through products like insulin pens and continues striving to make its treatments accessible to everyone in need.

Maersk, also Danish, is a global leader in shipping and logistics with expertise across port operations, supply chain management, warehousing and air freight. It provides a portfolio of cold chain logistics capabilities alongside sustainable transport methods. The company even employs a dedicated management system for pharmaceutical cold chain logistics.

Timely access to healthcare is a top priority within the partnership.

Dorethe Nielsen, Vice President of Corporate Environmental Strategy at Novo Nordisk, explains: “Just envision that you have a child with a chronic disease and one night you reach for their medication only to find it’s broken. That would be an absolute disaster.”

Cold chain expertise

While Novo Nordisk ensures compliance and safe handling, it must rely on logistics partners that maintain identical high standards.

Maersk, a trusted provider with comprehensive end-to-end cold chain capability, meets that expectation. To preserve product integrity, pharmaceutical cold chains demand rigorous management, defined timelines and precise temperature control.

Any cold chain disruption can compromise quality, rendering treatments ineffective or unsafe and triggering recalls, financial loss or health crises. Transport commonly requires constant monitoring between 2 and 8°C. Maersk’s Pharma Cold Chain Management (P‑CCM) integrates digital and physical systems to ensure visibility, flexibility and control.

Gaëtan Van Exem, Global Vertical Head of Pharma and Healthcare at Maersk, notes: “Shipping pharmaceuticals entails more than mere transportation. It’s about precision, trust, and shared responsibility.”

Transport operators must remain accountable, meet regulatory requirements and never cut corners.

Technical measures such as temperature-controlled storage and digital monitoring safeguard quality, but these depend on people acting responsibly.

Advancing sustainability goals

Novo Nordisk is a leader in sustainability, another key reason behind its collaboration with Maersk. Maersk’s global reach and expertise support dependable, sustainable logistics - particularly within the pharmaceutical sector.

Both partners are committed to cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Novo Nordisk has set 2030 and 2045 targets to reduce GHG emissions across its operations and transport, while Maersk is working toward net zero GHG emissions by 2040. It is also investing in lower-emission fuels that offer at least a 65% lifecycle reduction compared to conventional fossil fuels, recognising collaboration across the supply chain as essential to success.

“This is a challenge we cannot solve alone,” says Gaëtan. “We found a partner that shares the same ambition level.”

Partnering with organisations that share aligned sustainability goals helps ensure targets are achieved. Together, Novo Nordisk and Maersk are addressing the dual challenge of creating sustainable and efficient cold chain logistics.