Grünenthal API Manufacturing Site Switzerland

August 26, 2026

Grünenthal inaugurates new heat pump system at its Switzerland API site

Representatives from government and industry joined Grünenthal to officially inaugurate an innovative energy system that has reduced primary energy consumption at its Swiss site by 38%.

Grünenthal has officially inaugurated the new heat pump system at its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing site in Mitlödi, Switzerland.

The inauguration was attended by Ms. Simone Eisenbarth, Economic Development Glarus South; Mr. Thomas Tschudi, Member of the Cantonal Government; Ms. Verena Stübner, German-Swiss Chamber of Commerce; and representatives of the companies and partners involved in the project.

Their participation highlighted the broader relevance of the project for the region and for the transition towards more sustainable industrial energy use.

Guests toured the plant and saw how Grünenthal is using industrial heat pump technology to generate the high temperatures required for API production.

Guests gather for the official inauguration of the heat pump system in Mitlödi

Keynote speaker at the dedication ceremony for the inauguration of the heat pump system in Mitlödi

Speech to the staff on the occasion of the dedication of the inauguration of the heat pump system in Mitlödi

Guided Tour of the Plant Premises in Mitlödi

A significant investment in sustainable manufacturing

Fully operational since January 2026, the system uses green electricity to generate all the heat needed for API production, removing the need for oil and gas. It has reduced primary energy consumption at the site by 38%, while CO₂ emissions from heat generation have fallen by around 90%. The technology combines seven interconnected industrial heat pumps, heat recovery and electric boosters in a solution designed specifically for the demands of API manufacturing.

Learn more about the technology and how it is transforming API production in Mitlödi.

This investment demonstrates that complex pharmaceutical manufacturing and significantly more sustainable energy use can go hand in hand. The system reduces our environmental footprint while supporting the reliable, long-term operation of our Mitlödi site.

Jochen SchmalfussSite Director API at Grünenthal

Supporting Grünenthal’s climate targets

The new system contributes to Grünenthal’s SBTi-validated climate targets and forms part of the company’s continued investment in more efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Following its successful implementation in Mitlödi, Grünenthal will continue optimising the system’s performance and applying the experience gained to support the transition towards fossil-free energy solutions across its manufacturing network.