Whilst working in the clinical setting today, I came across a positive piece of Pharmacy news and thought to release it on my Blog for others to see.

Orion Pharma have confirmed that their Easyhaler range has now been certified as carbon neutral. I think that this is a fantastic step forward for the current global position with respect to environmental change. If we consider the carbon footprint from one person using 1 or 2 puffs of a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) per day then the burden is quite obviously low; but if we multiple through across the globe then the burden becomes staggering! As such, a move in the direction taken by Orion Pharma can only be a good thing.

Here is what the company have to say on the matter:

“Easyhaler® is a propellant-free dry powder inhaler (DPI) which has a minimal carbon footprint compared to pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) [1]. Easyhaler® has achieved carbon neutrality by minimising CO2 emissions across the entire supply chain and throughout our products life cycle. The remaining emissions are offset through projects that protect the worlds lungs – forests in the Amazon and the UK [2].

Orion Pharma advocate that patient safety, efficacy and choice must remain the primary drivers in deciding the most suitable device for respiratory patients. We want to work with clinicians to support them in having discussions with patients around their preferences on inhaler devices. All parties can then make an informed choice about whether they would be suitable to move onto an inhaler that not only meets their clinical needs in line with product indication, but also aligns to their environmental values - patients deserve choice, and the Easyhaler range gives them that.

Orion Pharma is committed to reaching company-wide carbon neutrality by 2030 and we want to support the NHS in achieving its own carbon reduction targets outlined in the Climate Change Act [3].”

Good work Orion Pharma, keep it up!

References:

1. Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Medical and chemicals technical options committee. Assessment report 2018. Accessed 13th May from: https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/TEAPAS98.pdf

2. Carbon life cycle assessment report for Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma. Executive summary. Carbon Footprint Ltd 2021. Available at: https://www.orion.fi/globalassets/documents/orion-group/sustainability/2021_04-orion-pharma-product-footprint-lca-executive-summary-v1.0.pdf

3. https://www.sduhealth.org.uk/nhs%20long%20term%20plan/carbon-reduction/anaesthetics-and-inhalers.aspx