Andrea Lodetti was appointed CEO of Bormioli Pharma in March 2018. Before joining Bormioli Pharma, was CEO of Ceramiche Richetti, and formerly COO of Snaidero Cucine and CEO of German subsidiary Rational Einbauküchen.

Following a Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the Polytechnic of Milan, and an MBA in Economics and Administration at Bocconi University, Andrea started his career as an aeronautic manufacturing Engineer, gaining international experience in Italy, Switzerland and Germany. His managerial career began at international consultancy firm Bain & Company.

“Nobody wins alone”

Highlights from our discussion with Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Bormioli Pharma, a leading brand in the world of pharmaceutical packaging.

Disruptive times

The last two years have been hectic and challenging, with some segments experimenting unprecedented growth and others suffering due to the emergency measures. Now, we expect segmentation and specialization will be more important than ever. Pressure on vaccines is destined to stay, influencing the evolution of specific segments. On the other hand, we expect a rebalance of some other segments.

Bormioli Pharma reacted to face these new challenges, reframing a uniquely complete portfolio with a fast, flexible approach. In addition, following worldwide supply chain issues, we believe it is key to have strong local presences, so we have invested in internationalization, opening new commercial branches in the US and China, and putting into operation dedicated warehouses able to serve every industry need. 

Cross-sector R&D

Bormioli Pharma is constantly working to provide breakthrough developments, but Andrea said he is particularly proud of ‘Andy’, an add-on, integrated measuring cup which allows to dose and administer oral liquid drugs with a simple gadget (pictured).

Separately, the company recently announced a new project investigating glass coatings, one of its many scientific projects that Bormioli is performing in collaboration with IMEM-CNR. The development of coatings has been conceived to improve the performances of soda-lime moulded glass containers, making them more resistant, and thus ensuring greater stability, even for more aggressive pharmaceutical formulations. Other projects that Bormioli is exploring together with IMEM-CNR include the creation of a cross-sector research pole on high-performing treatments for industrial materials.

Reducing environmental impact

Net-zero commitments are already having strong impacts in many industries, including pharma, and Bormioli is receiving an increasing number of requests for more environmentally responsible containers. The company has been working for more than a decade in alternative plastic solutions, and they now have different product ranges manufactured with recycled and bio-based plastics. As of now, glass is endlessly recyclable, but it still requires carbon-intensive processes for its production. That’s why Bormioli joined the Glass Future Project, a 10-year project research aiming at finding environmentally responsible ways for glass manufacturing.

The Project, which relies on the collaboration of universities, companies, and research institutions, aims to bring about a technological and economic revolution of great impact on the industry, by trialling projects on a world-first pilot furnace. The decision to join Glass Futures is part of a broader programme that Bormioli started years ago to increase the efficiency and sustainability of its products and business processes. This includes the research and development of solutions made from alternative sustainable sources, the use of recycled glass in production, up to the continuous updating of its technological platform, with a view to improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

The winning path…

“I would like to underline a key lesson the pandemic has taught us,” says Andrea. “Nobody wins alone. The COVID pandemic increased industry complexities and challenges, entering a new phase with higher added value solutions being requested. That’s why the winning path is a supply chain approach, redesigning the supplier–client relationship in a more horizontal and collaborative way.”

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