SIGRE has launched the call for entries for the 4th edition of the Medicine and Environment Awards, which aim to recognise and highlight the best environmental sustainability initiatives developed by pharmaceutical companies, pharmaceutical distributors, community pharmacies, patient associations and other organisations linked to the pharmaceutical sector.

These awards form part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the launch of SIGRE, a non-profit organisation created by the pharmaceutical industry, in collaboration with distributors and pharmacies, to ensure the proper environmental management of medicine waste and its packaging.

The 4th Medicines and Environment Awards seek to recognise initiatives that contribute significantly to environmental protection, the sustainable use of resources, the reduction of the environmental footprint and raising public awareness of current and future environmental challenges, including the importance of proper management of medicines waste.

“In 2026, SIGRE will celebrate 25 years of activity and, during this time, thanks to the shared commitment between the pharmaceutical industry, distributors and pharmacies, it has become the largest environmental alliance in the pharmaceutical sector in our country. With the launch of the fourth edition of the Medicine and Environment Awards, we wish to recognise and highlight the ongoing efforts being made by all stakeholders in the sector to move towards a more sustainable, innovative model aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the One Health approach. “In a context of growing environmental challenges, it is essential to share best practices and create a ripple effect that drives new sustainable solutions across the entire pharmaceutical sector,” said Miguel Vega, Director General of SIGRE.

Categories and participants

For pharmaceutical companies and institutions within the pharmaceutical industry, the awards will recognise initiatives in three categories: best eco-design measure for pharmaceutical packaging, best environmental initiative and best communication campaign on environmental sustainability.

For their part, pharmaceutical distribution companies and entities linked to this sector may submit entries in the categories of best environmental initiative and best communication initiative on environmental sustainability, recognising both projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of their activities and awareness-raising initiatives directed at their stakeholders.

Similarly, community pharmacies and pharmacy-related institutions will have two categories of their own: best environmental initiative and best communication initiative on environmental sustainability, with the aim of highlighting their role as local agents in promoting responsible habits and good environmental practices.

Finally, patient associations may enter a specific category designed to recognise the best communication initiatives in the field of environmental sustainability, particularly those aimed at raising awareness of the responsible use of medicines, the circular economy and the proper management of pharmaceutical waste.

Projects developed or initiated since 2022 may be submitted, including initiatives that are in the development phase at the time of application.

Deadlines and submission of applications

The registration period will remain open until 19 October 2026, at 23:59 (Spanish mainland time).

All applications must be submitted via the section provided for this purpose on the website https://sigre.es/public/landing/premios-sigre/.

Participation is free in all categories.

Jury and awards ceremony

A jury comprising SIGRE, environmental and health institutions, professional associations, representatives from the academic world and communication experts will be responsible for evaluating the entries, assessing criteria such as environmental impact, innovation, contribution to the circular economy, transferability and the initiatives’ knock-on effect.

The jury’s decision will be announced at a public ceremony to be held in December 2026 in Madrid.

For further information on the call for entries, the full terms and conditions and the registration process, interested parties may visit the website https://sigre.es/public/landing/premios-sigre/ or contact premio@sigre.es