Industrial Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility: Interview with Christophe Coyard

Christophe Coyard, Director of Industrial Performance and CSR Strategy, explains how HTL Biotechnology integrates responsibility at the heart of its industrial model.

How does HTL Biotechnology’s industrial platform underpin both performance and social responsibility?

Our industrial site in Javené, Brittany, covers 64,000 m² and hosts four independent production units, supported by state-of-the-art R&D and quality control laboratories. Two units are dedicated to hyaluronic acid and two to polynucleotides, ensuring flexibility and maximum security of supply.
Industrial performance at HTL is measured not only in output, but also in impact. We design our operations to meet the most demanding pharmaceutical standards while embedding CSR commitments into daily practice, optimising processes, controlling emissions, and reducing resource use. This dual focus guarantees both reliability for our partners and Social Responsability.

Can you tell us more about the progress that has been made in reducing HTL Biotechnology’s environmental footprint?

Between 2021 and 2024, we’ve reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of hyaluronic acid by 27%, surpassing our 25% target. Over the same period, water consumption per kilogram of HA decreased by 34%.
These achievements are the result of continuous investment: new distillation columns that are 40% more energy-efficient, closed-circuit cooling systems, and eco-designed solutions such as bio-sourced oyster shell coatings on our buildings. All of this reflects our commitment to combining industrial innovation with sustainability.

How does HTL ensure responsibility extends across the value chain?

Responsibility is a collective effort. All employees are trained in our ISO 14001-certified environmental management system, ensuring that continuous improvement is part of our culture. Beyond our walls, 97% of critical suppliers have signed our Sustainable Purchasing Charter, and 78% are actively committed to environmental initiatives. By aligning partners with our standards, we ensure sustainability at every stage, from raw material sourcing to product delivery.

What priorities has HTL set for the future?

We are focused on further reducing emissions and resource consumption. By 2028, we aim to halve volatile organic compound emissions. At the same time, we remain committed to reducing our water consumption and to our eco-design practices. These objectives reflect a long-term vision: industrial excellence that supports competitiveness, quality, and environmental responsibility.

What does CSR mean for HTL Biotechnology’s industrial team’s day-to-day operations?

Our CSR policy guides our decisions and is the foundation of how we operate. From optimizing cleaning parameters to investing in new production units, sustainability guides every step of our industrial model. Industrial performance at HTL is therefore defined by two dimensions: uncompromising pharmaceutical quality and a measurable reduction of our environmental footprint. This dual commitment ensures that our partners can grow with confidence, supported by a reliable and sustainable industrial platform.