How Sciences Guides Healthcare Sustainability for Opella

Pure-play global consumer healthcare leader Opella has become the first in its industry to achieve both B Corp certification and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for its net zero climate targets.

“At Opella, we exist to improve everyday health, and that gives us a distinct perspective on climate,” explains Marissa Saretsky, Chief Sustainability Officer at Opella. “The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue, but a public health emergency as well. The air we breathe, the water we rely on, and the resilience of our communities are all connected.

“That is why our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, now officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), is aligned with our vision: to be the best fast-moving consumer healthcare company in and for the world. 

“Science shapes everything we do; from the way we develop products to the way we measure our footprint. Science will continue to be our north star as we work towards our decarbonisation goals."

How science guides sustainability in healthcare

SBTi validation is recognised as the highest standard for climate action, confirming Opella’s strategy follows the Paris Agreement’s +1.5°C trajectory and positions the company to reach net zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2050.

This milestone builds upon Opella’s earlier B Corp certification, awarded to companies meeting demanding criteria for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Attaining both recognitions highlights Opella’s commitment to blending scientific excellence with responsible governance—a combination unmatched in its sector.

“As a certified B Corp, we’ve already embedded impact and responsibility into our governance,” Marissa says. “But being net zero committed pushes us to redesign entire systems: renewable energy-powered operations, lower-carbon sourcing, circular packaging and supplier partnerships built on shared accountability."

From a 2023 baseline, Opella has pledged to reduce carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 58.8% by 2034 and 90% by 2050.

These targets cover direct operations and the company’s worldwide value chain, emphasising deep decarbonisation over offsets.

To deliver these goals, Opella is fundamentally changing how it does business: sourcing low-carbon raw materials, redesigning packaging, using 100% renewable electricity and collaborating with suppliers to uphold scientific climate commitments.

Opella will provide annual progress updates and regularly reassess its climate strategy to stay aligned with scientific advancements.

About Opella

Headquartered in France, Opella serves more than 500 million consumers worldwide with a portfolio of 100 brands, leading in global OTC and VMS markets. With 11,000 employees, 13 manufacturing sites and four innovation centers, Opella demonstrates what’s possible when scientific standards drive progress towards healthier people and planet.

“Net zero is often framed as an endpoint,” Marissa says. 

“For us, it’s a recalibration of what “healthy business” means in the 21st century; and that means being a driving force in a world where health is an interconnected fundamental of a flourishing planet and society.”