Pharmaceutical Distributors Adopt Electric Vehicles to Curb Emissions

Efforts to reduce carbon emissions are expanding across various industrial sectors, including the distribution of health products. Companies are beginning to adopt electric vehicles as part of their operational decarbonisation strategy while improving distribution efficiency amid rising demands for sustainable business practices. One such initiative is being undertaken by PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM), a pharmaceutical and medical device distributor under PT Medela Potentia Tbk (MDLA). The company has started operating an electric vehicle fleet to support the distribution of health products to various regions. This step is part of efforts to build a more efficient and low-emission distribution system. PT Medela Potentia Tbk President Director Juliwaty stated that the transformation towards electric vehicles is part of the company’s long-term strategy in facing the changing landscape of the distribution industry, which increasingly demands energy efficiency and the implementation of sustainability principles. ‘The use of electric vehicles not only increases operational efficiency but also strengthens our readiness to deliver fast, precise, and safe distribution services amidst the dynamics of market needs,’ Juliwaty said. According to her, operational decarbonisation is a crucial step in addressing industry challenges, from energy cost pressures to increasing attention to environmental aspects in business activities. Therefore, the company continues to integrate innovation and energy efficiency into its distribution systems. By 2025, AAM has operated 106 electric motorcycles spread across 15 branches in 13 cities. The development of a four-wheeled electric vehicle fleet is the next phase in strengthening a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly distribution system. In addition to fleet electrification, the company is also optimising distribution routes, strengthening supporting infrastructure, and providing eco-driving training for drivers and operational teams to improve energy efficiency as well as occupational safety. PT AAM Director Budi Lim stated that the company strives to maintain a balance between business growth and environmental responsibility. According to him, various operational innovations will continue to be developed to provide benefits for both the company and the environment. ‘We will continue to develop operational innovations that not only boost business performance but also make a real contribution to environmental sustainability,’ Budi said. The decarbonisation initiative aligns with the company’s achievement of reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity by 20 per cent compared to its 2025 baseline. Looking ahead, the company is also preparing to install solar panels at its Tangerang and Medan branches, planned to commence in the second half of 2026, to increase the use of renewable energy in operational activities. This development indicates that the energy transition agenda is taking place not only in the power generation or manufacturing sectors but is also becoming part of the operational strategy in the distribution industry. The utilisation of electric vehicles is considered to help companies reduce emissions while simultaneously enhancing efficiency and long-term business competitiveness.