Pharmaceutical manufacturer
Based in South Africa, Aspen are Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, and the ninth largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Aspen has businesses in Australia, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and a start-up operation in the United States. Products available in more than 150 countries. GlaxoSmithKline acquired a 19% stake in 2009, which it reduced to 12% in 2013, and further reduced to 6% in 2015.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Apr 2025)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP
(2023)
CDP Water Security score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of B.
Source: CDP
(2023)
6.5/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2022 and received a score of 6.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
12% in Gender Benchmark
In 2023 and 2024, the World Benchmarking Alliance assessed 2,000 companies on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, and violence and harassment. This company scored 12 out of 100. The average score was 15.3 and the highest score was 51.
15.1% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2022 and is ranked #381/816, with a total score of 15.1/100.
Irresponsible BMS marketing
This company is named and shamed in IBFAN's 2017 report, 'Breaking the Rules, Stretching the Rules 2017', evidence of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS), compiled from June 2014 to June 2017. The report covers 792 Code violations from 79 countries and by 28 companies. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: IBFAN
(2017)
Sustainability claims
Follow the link to view relevant documents which support this company's sustainability claims.
Source: company website
(2015)
UN Global Compact participant
The United Nations Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of 10 values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. However it's non-binding nature has been widely criticised, and many signatory corporations continue to violate the Compact's values.
Source: UN Global Compact
(2020)
Medium ESG Risk
Sustainalytics, a top ESG research firm, evaluates environmental, social, and governance risks for over 16,000 companies. Its ESG Risk Rating reflects how much risk a company faces in its industry and how well it manages those risks. The final score includes both unmanaged and unmanageable risks, and companies are rated on a scale from negligible (0-10) to severe (40+). This company received an ESG Risk Rating of 25.2, placing it in the "medium risk" category (retrieved April 2025).
Source: Sustainalytics
(2025)
Company Details
Type:
Public company
Revenue:
2.8 billion USD
(2014)
Employees:
8,200
(2014)
Subsidiaries:
Aspen Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Pharmaceuticals
Aspen commenced operations in Australia in May 2001 and since then has acquired many established brands of medicines. They operate four manufacturing plants in Australia. Bought the Sigma pharmaceuticals business in 2011, taking over the Herron brand. Aspen acquired a portfolio of 25 products from GSK for the Australian market in 2012. Sold Herron to Perrigo in 2014.