Forge Biologics Sets Green Standard in Gene Therapy Manufacturing

COLUMBUS, OH – April 22, 2026 – In a significant move that bridges cutting-edge science with environmental stewardship, gene therapy manufacturer Forge Biologics announced it has achieved My Green Lab® Certification across its entire 200,000-square-foot facility. The certification, recognized as the global gold standard for laboratory sustainability, covers all of the company's research labs and advanced cGMP manufacturing suites, placing Forge among a small, elite group of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) worldwide to attain such a comprehensive environmental milestone.

This achievement, a culmination of a dedicated company-wide initiative, signals a growing trend within the resource-intensive biopharmaceutical sector: the push to produce life-saving therapies is no longer separate from the responsibility to protect the planet. As a member of the Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services group, Forge’s certification underscores a deep commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while advancing the complex manufacturing of gene therapies.

A New Benchmark for Sustainable Science

The My Green Lab Certification is more than a plaque on the wall; it is a rigorous, third-party verified endorsement of a company's commitment to sustainable practices. For Forge Biologics, achieving this status across its entire operational footprint—from early-stage development to large-scale cGMP production—is a powerful statement in an industry where such wall-to-wall certification remains rare.

“Forge Biologics has set a powerful example of sustainability and scientific excellence advancing together,” stated James Connelly, Chief Executive Officer of My Green Lab, in the original announcement. “Achieving My Green Lab Certification across all of their laboratories and cGMP suites is a milestone that only a select group of CDMOs worldwide have reached. It reflects exactly the kind of systemic, organization-wide commitment that will move the entire biopharma industry toward a zero-carbon future.”

The program provides a framework for continuous improvement, enabling organizations to systematically reduce their environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of sustainability. This distinction positions Forge not just as a manufacturer of complex medicines, but as a pioneer in responsible biomanufacturing.

The Environmental Cost of Breakthrough Medicine

While laboratories are engines of innovation, they are also exceptionally resource-intensive. Scientific research facilities are known to consume five to ten times more energy and up to four times more water per square foot than typical office buildings. Globally, labs are estimated to generate a staggering 5.5 million metric tons of plastic waste each year—nearly 2% of the world's total plastic production.

The energy required to power ultra-low temperature freezers, ventilation systems, and specialized equipment, combined with high water usage for sterilization and cooling processes, creates a substantial environmental footprint. As the gene therapy field expands, with more products moving from research to commercial-scale production, the cumulative environmental impact of the industry is set to grow significantly. It is within this context that initiatives like My Green Lab Certification become critical, offering a tangible pathway to mitigate these effects.

Inside the Green Lab Transformation

The journey to My Green Lab Certification involves a comprehensive assessment across 14 distinct categories, including energy consumption, water use, waste reduction, and green chemistry. Based on this assessment, labs implement targeted improvements before undergoing a final verification.

Strategies often include simple but effective behavioral changes, such as “Shut the Sash” campaigns for fume hoods, alongside significant equipment upgrades. For example, raising the temperature of ultra-low freezers from -80°C to a still-safe -70°C can slash their energy consumption by 30-40%. Other certified organizations have reported dramatic water savings—in some cases over 90% for specific equipment like autoclaves—by upgrading to more efficient models and optimizing usage protocols. Industry case studies have shown that such programs can deliver a remarkable return on investment, with some labs achieving a 4x ROI from energy savings alone.

“This certification is a testament to the dedication and leadership of Forge’s Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability team to integrate sustainability into our lab and manufacturing operations,” said Ron Chantung, Senior Vice President of Operations at Forge. He noted that the achievement “reinforces our position as a world-class CDMO and aligns with Ajinomoto Group's sustainability commitments, contributing to a broader global effort to advance sustainable operations.”

A Strategic Move in a Competitive Market

Beyond the clear environmental benefits, Forge Biologics' certification represents a shrewd strategic decision in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As corporations worldwide face pressure from investors, regulators, and customers to improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, sustainability is rapidly shifting from a corporate social responsibility initiative to a core business imperative.

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are now applying greater scrutiny to their supply chains, seeking partners who can help them meet their own ambitious sustainability targets. A verifiable, third-party certification like My Green Lab’s provides a distinct competitive advantage, serving as a powerful differentiator that can attract environmentally conscious clients. This positions Forge as a forward-thinking partner prepared for the future of the industry, where a company's environmental credentials are as important as its scientific capabilities and production capacity.

Joining the Global Race to Zero

Forge Biologics' achievement also places it squarely within a larger global movement. The My Green Lab program is a key partner in the United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign, a global effort to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon recovery. The campaign’s overarching goal is to halve global emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

By participating in and excelling at a program recognized by this UN initiative, Forge is contributing to a collective, worldwide effort to decarbonize the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. This demonstrates how individual corporate actions, when aligned with global standards, can create a ripple effect, driving meaningful progress toward international climate goals. By embedding sustainability into the very fabric of its advanced manufacturing processes, Forge Biologics is demonstrating that the path to creating life-changing medicines can and should be a path toward a healthier planet.