Awareness of environmental sustainability and Practice adaptation among logistics workers in the pharmaceutical supply chain sector in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study evaluates the awareness and implementation of environmental sustainability practices among employees in Saudi Arabia's pharmaceutical sector. This is in alignment with the country's Vision 2030 sustainability goals. Considering the huge environmental impact linked to the pharmaceutical sector, including the emission of hazardous waste and greenhouse gasses, a study such as this one is crucial for the development of effective sustainability strategies within this high-stakes sector. This study used the survey method to determine the awareness and attitudes of employees in the Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical sector. From the findings, it can be inferred that there is a variance in the degree of awareness and engagement with sustainability initiatives. This highlights a considerable gap in advanced knowledge and ongoing communication on these topics in organisations. The main impediments linked to the adoption of sustainability practices include regulatory complexities, financial constraints, lack of support from management, and insufficient training and knowledge. The study shows that even though companies have started implementing sustainable practices such as energy-saving measures and waste recycling, a huge proportion of the participants are still not conscious of or engaged in those initiatives. Such a disconnection implies that there is a need for more training and better communication strategies as a way of enhancing employee engagement and the general effectiveness of sustainability programs. The findings from this study also highlight that there is a need for educational improvements, organisational support, and regulatory facilitation to improve sustainability practices within the pharmaceutical logistics sector in Saudi Arabia. Dealing with these needs is crucial for environmental stewardship and aligning with global sustainability standards and the ambitious national goals inherent in Vision 2030.