Sustainability in manufacturing: increasing divergence in policy

Sustainability is quickly becoming a defining theme in advanced therapies, but its meaning within CGT remains fluid, fragmented, and often inconsistently applied. It spans environmental impact, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and broader social responsibility, yet there is little consensus on how these elements should be prioritized or measured in a field still focused on scientific progress and scale-up. As expectations from regulators, partners, and investors begin to take shape, companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate not only innovation, but accountability. However, with regional differences, evolving frameworks, and limited standardization, the path forward is far from clear. The question is not whether sustainability matters - it clearly does - but whether the industry is aligned on what it actually requires in practice. This discussion examines how sustainability is being interpreted and implemented across CGT today, from supplier and customer expectations to the realities of compliance, measurement, and reporting. It will also explore whether harmonization is achievable, how companies are choosing which standards to follow, and what this means for cost, investment, and long-term viability. At a time of financial constraint and scientific ambition, this session will challenge a central tension: should sustainability be embedded now as a core pillar of development, or does prioritizing it risk diverting focus from the fundamental challenges of making these therapies work at scale? Season 1 of Advanced Therapies Think Tank is powered and produced by IBTV, and generously supported by BCA Advanced Therapies Network.