STAT+: Pharma wins a battle over the cost of wastewater treatment in Europe
An E.U. AG recommended annulling part of a directive that requires drugmakers to finance 80% of the costs of wastewater treatment.
European pharmaceutical companies have secured a victory in a battle over wastewater treatment costs. The European Union's Advocate General has recommended overturning a directive that mandates drug and cosmetics manufacturers to bear at least 80% of the expenses related to wastewater treatment. This directive, which came into effect earlier this year, aimed to safeguard human health and the environment by preventing harmful discharges from urban wastewater and promoting cleaner water sources throughout Europe.
It was estimated that the initiative would yield annual savings of approximately $7.5 billion by 2040. A crucial component of this plan involves a "quaternary treatment stage," which focuses on eliminating micropollutants—primarily generated by pharmaceuticals and cosmetics—from wastewater. By December 2028, member states must ensure that companies contribute to programs aimed at managing the waste they produce.
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