Ósar and its subsidiaries aim to improve the quality of life for individuals and support public health in Iceland. We do this through a robust portfolio of medications, medical equipment, and health products, alongside extensive supply chain and distribution services. Because environmental factors influence health, we prioritize minimizing the environmental impact of our operations across the value chain.

Ósar Environmental Policy

Ósar and its subsidiaries have adopted a joint environmental policy. Its content, objectives, and performance measurements are integrated into Ósar’s strategic planning. The policy applies to the entire group and guides companies, managers, and employees. It outlines how we, collectively and individually, can contribute to a healthier society and environment while maintaining sound operations.

Icepharma and Parlogis play a key role in ensuring that the people of Iceland have access to medicines and healthcare products, distributing them nationwide to institutions, pharmacies, and professionals.

The majority of partners are international manufacturers who adhere to strict environmental standards and often operate certified environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001. They emphasize responsible product development, sustainable operations, and selecting partners based on environmental considerations.

To ensure chain accountability, manufacturers and suppliers regularly review the operations of Icepharma and Parlogis and require that the companies apply comparable standards to their own partners.

Ósar and its subsidiaries have established clear environmental codes of conduct and reserve the right to audit partners to ensure quality and accountability throughout the value chain.

The transportation of medicines and medical devices is carried out exclusively by approved carriers. Parlogis assists manufacturers in selecting transport routes, both internationally and domestically, with an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions in line with the manufacturers’ environmental policies.

When Icepharma or Parlogis is responsible for transportation, the focus is on efficiency and minimizing fuel consumption. Parlogis collaborates with Jónar Transport, which specializes in transporting sensitive goods using vehicles that meet all safety and environmental standards. The drivers hold ADR licenses and GDP certification. Jónar Transport is owned by Samskip, which operates under a recognized environmental policy.

Efficient Routes and Waste Sorting Results

Parlogis dispatches over 700 orders daily. Routes are optimized for energy efficiency. Highly trained drivers handle temperature-sensitive deliveries. All vehicles are temperature-controlled, and great emphasis is placed on annual training in all operational procedures. Driver tenure is generally long, ensuring that the workforce consists of well-trained and experienced drivers.

Transport of medicines and medical devices is handled only by approved carriers. Parlogis helps manufacturers choose logistics routes that reduce emissions. When Icepharma or Parlogis is responsible for transport, the emphasis is on efficiency and fuel reduction.

• Jónar Transport, our key partner, uses certified, ADR-licensed drivers and GDP-compliant vehicles.

• Iceland Post handles rural distribution under a verified environmental and climate policy.

Since 2020, waste segregation improved drastically:

• Unsorted general waste: from 22% → 0%
• Waste incinerated without energy recovery: 0%
• Landfilled waste in 2024: <1%

2024 Waste Breakdown:

• 84% Recycling
• 15% Energy Recovery
• 1% Landfill

Ósar and Icepharma promote telehealth and welfare technology to improve access, increase safety, and reduce environmental impact. These solutions help people live safely at home, reduce healthcare travel, and maintain care quality.

Evondos automatic dispensers now number 242 in Iceland. Each saves ~1.7 nurse visits/day, cutting 82.5 tons of CO₂ annually.

Ósar will continue leading innovation in sustainable, human-centered healthcare.

We expect our partners to know and minimize their environmental impact. While certifications aren’t perfect, they reduce risk.

Brands we work with:

Sonett – Fully biodegradable cleaning products

Natracare – Organic, certified hygiene products

NOW Foods – Recyclable packaging, sustainable sourcing

Nike – Recycled materials, cleaner production

MUNA – Organic food certified by Tún and EU Leaf

Sonett’s incredible growth in Iceland

Sonett usage in Iceland grew 300% in four years—driven by consumer awareness of sustainable living.

Mapping of environmental factors within Ósar’s operations is continuously evolving. The results are recorded in a dedicated carbon accounting system that uses emission standards from the Icelandic Environment Agency for all components except district heating and air travel.

For district heating, data from Veitur is used, and for air travel, the ICAO carbon calculator is employed to estimate flight-related emissions. By documenting the environmental impact of our operations, we can track the effectiveness of actions taken to minimize our environmental footprint, as well as detect abnormal deviations—allowing us to respond in a responsible manner.

In recent years, special emphasis has been placed on expanding data collection for additional Scope 3 emission factors, and this work will continue in the coming years.