Moeders voor Moeders, part of the pharmaceutical company Aspen Oss, is convinced that we have a responsibility to do as much as we can and invest in a better and healthier world for current and future generations. For a long time, we have been working on sustainability and environmental initiatives in various areas at Aspen Oss/Moeders voor Moeders.
In addition to many environmental, safety, and health programs, we have decided to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs represent 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, inequality, and climate change worldwide. We support all 17 goals but have specifically incorporated 4 of them into our strategy:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – This goal is dedicated to achieving equal rights between men and women globally.
- **SDG 12: Responsible Production & Consumption** – This has been chosen by 81 international 'Global 500' companies as one of the most important SDGs.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – This goal aims to combat climate change and its impacts.
These goals are embedded in our strategy and are increasingly embraced by our employees. We are constantly evolving in these areas. The main objective of Moeders voor Moeders is to promote the health of young couples and help them fulfill their wish to have children, which aligns perfectly with SDG 3.
All the urine collected by Moeders voor Moeders is taken to the Aspen factory in Boxtel, where the hCG hormone is extracted and processed into a raw material used for fertility medications. The production process fully complies with our corporate policies on providing a ‘safe and healthy workplace’ and ‘protecting the environment.’ Our management system also ensures control over emissions and external safety. We make sure this process meets all necessary requirements, which is regularly confirmed through inspections by government agencies and customers.
For urine collection, we collaborate with a transportation partner that places a high priority on sustainability, focusing on fuel-efficient driving and paperless delivery and collection (Six Promises – AMP Group).
We also take the necessary measures around the production process. For example, we reuse the crates and bottles used for urine collection. Furthermore, extracting the hCG hormone from a waste product (urine) is perhaps our finest example of sustainability.
Until recently, the remaining urine without the hCG hormone was fully collected and processed into fertilizer. Unfortunately, the processor has stopped, and we are currently searching for alternatives to reuse this leftover urine. In the meantime, it is being processed through external biological purification.
During the production process, the hCG hormone is extracted using ethanol. After the process, the ethanol is recovered and reused by other external users.
In terms of energy, we consciously choose to purchase green energy. This means that at the factory in Boxtel, we use renewable electricity.
Aspen Oss holds the following certifications:
- Gold Ecovadis Classification for Sustainability
- ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (for environmentally responsible, safe, and healthy operations)
Additionally, we ensure that our permits are always up-to-date and strictly adhered to. Our employees actively contribute to improving processes and participate in improvement projects across the organization. Thanks to all the efforts made at Aspen Oss, environmental impact has been reduced by 80% over the past few decades. In fact, in nearly all areas, we operate far below the legal limits, and we are committed to maintaining this level of sustainability.