Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

Zoetis PiE Program

Zoetis is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our products, including actively mitigating Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE). While the primary pathway for veterinary pharmaceuticals to enter the environment is excretion following treatment, in addition to conducting environmental risk assessments for the use phase of our products in line with regulatory requirements, we also recognize that releases can occur at the end of the manufacturing process and therefore maintain robust controls across our operations.

Our PiE program prioritizes APIs and facilities using an environmental- and business-risk ranking, establishes science-based safe emission/discharge limits for solid and liquid waste using OECD-recommended studies and applicable international requirements, and conducts environmental risk assessments at Zoetis manufacturing sites. We verify wastewater protection through mass-balance controls together with analytical and/or whole effluent testing, and we continuously optimize waste management practices across all sites, extending beyond antibiotics. To further reduce potential releases, we actively evaluate wastewater treatment upgrade options at priority facilities by assessing current treatment performance and API removal efficiencies, identifying improvement opportunities (including advanced treatment technologies), and supporting feasibility assessments aligned with permit requirements and site conditions. We complement these actions with targeted training for site management and personnel and proactive support for permitting and compliance to ensure pollution prevention and control measures are implemented and sustained.