Cipla Becomes Water Positive Across India Operations

In a significant achievement aligned with its sustainability goals, Cipla Limited has been officially certified as a water positive organisation by Bureau Veritas (BVQi) for its India operations. This milestone makes Cipla one of the first pharmaceutical companies in India to receive such a certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable growth.

Water positivity refers to a state where an organisation replenishes more water than it consumes. This certification is a reflection of Cipla’s long-standing initiatives and multi-pronged strategies focused on conserving, recycling, and restoring water resources within its operations and in the communities it serves. Over the past several years, the company has steadily invested in advanced technologies, collaborative partnerships, and grassroots-level interventions to make this vision a reality.

A central feature of Cipla’s journey toward water positivity has been the implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems across its manufacturing facilities in India. As of FY 2024–25, approximately 67% of Cipla’s Indian manufacturing units operate with ZLD systems, ensuring that no liquid waste is released into the environment. Complementing this technological investment is a consistent reduction in water withdrawal — down by 13.1% compared to FY 2019–20 levels — achieved through internal efficiency measures and strategic reuse. Notably, half of the total water withdrawn during FY 2024–25 was recycled and reused within the organisation.

These in-plant efficiencies were matched by significant on-ground efforts undertaken in collaboration with the Cipla Foundation and leading social organisations such as BAIF and MYRADA. Joint watershed development programs across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have led to the conservation of 24.7 lakh cubic metres of water in the last financial year alone. These initiatives included rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and community-focused water infrastructure projects. The impact of these efforts extends beyond environmental gains, benefiting over 3,000 families by improving water access, enhancing agricultural productivity, and reducing the need for seasonal migration in drought-prone areas.

Furthering its commitment to water stewardship, Cipla has also invested in community-level initiatives aimed at restoring ecological balance and reviving neglected water bodies. Renovation of defunct ponds and lakes, construction of check dams, and planting of native tree species have become integral parts of the company’s broader biodiversity restoration strategy. These projects are designed not only to enhance water availability but also to support the socio-economic upliftment of local communities, particularly women and children. In several regions, improved water security has enabled families to prioritize girl child education — a critical outcome closely linked with Cipla’s social development goals.

Cipla’s Managing Director and Global CEO, Mr. Umang Vohra, described the water positivity certification as a defining moment in the company’s sustainability journey. “At Cipla, we recognise that water is a critical resource and are committed towards responsible usage across our operations. This recognition is a key milestone in our sustainability journey and is a testament to the collective effort of our teams, communities, and partners. It reinforces our belief that sustainable business is smart business,” he stated.

The company’s philosophy of “Caring for Life” is deeply embedded in all aspects of its operations — from pharmaceutical innovations to environmental action. With 46 global manufacturing sites producing over 1,500 products for 80+ markets, Cipla’s commitment to integrating sustainability into business practices reflects a conscious effort to balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Cipla’s efforts toward water sustainability are part of a broader environmental agenda that includes climate action, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. By achieving water positivity, Cipla joins the league of responsible corporations leading by example in India’s pharmaceutical industry. The certification also signals Cipla’s readiness to meet evolving environmental standards and expectations from investors, regulators, and communities alike.

Founded in 1935, Cipla has grown to become a major global pharmaceutical company, ranking as the third-largest in India, second in South Africa’s prescription market, and a leading respiratory care brand in the US generics space. Its reputation for humanitarian innovation was cemented in 2001, when it disrupted the HIV/AIDS treatment space by offering triple antiretroviral therapy at less than a dollar a day in Africa.

Today, Cipla continues to push the envelope not only in medical innovation but also in corporate responsibility. Its water positivity milestone is not just a certification — it is a testament to the company’s vision of a future where economic performance and environmental responsibility are not at odds but rather, go hand in hand.

For more information, please visit www.cipla.com.