CHENNAI: The healthcare industry is increasingly integrating sustainability into its core strategies, with a growing emphasis on reducing environmental footprints. In a pivotal move toward greener pharmaceutical manufacturing, Lupin Limited—a global pharmaceutical leader—has announced its intention to adopt Honeywell’s Solstice® Air (HFO-1234ze(E) cGMP) as a next-generation propellant in its pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). This partnership marks a significant shift in respiratory care, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Environmental impact of inhalers
Inhalers—particularly pMDIs used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—have traditionally relied on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based propellants. While effective, these substances have high global warming potential (GWP), in some cases more than 1,000 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The healthcare sector contributes approximately 4.4% of global net emissions, and inhalers represent a disproportionately large share of the pharmaceutical industry’s carbon footprint.
The average GWP of traditional HFC propellants (such as HFA-134a and HFA-227ea) is currently estimated at 1,300–3,200 Kg CO2 equivalents.
In India, pMDIs—particularly those using HFCs—are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to the high GWP of these propellants. Although dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) are used more frequently, pMDIs contribute far more to emissions. Research shows that a large share of these emissions comes from short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) inhalers, especially when asthma is poorly controlled.
According to Lupin, its new product is designed for patients with asthma and COPD. Honeywell’s Solstice Air offers a low-GWP alternative that could substantially reduce the release of high-impact greenhouse gases, marking a major step forward in reducing the industry's carbon emissions.
Technology to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
Lupin aims to become the first pharmaceutical company in India to use Honeywell’s Solstice Air at scale as a next-generation propellant in pMDIs. Solstice Air provides an alternative to traditional HFC propellants, with the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99.9%.
“Lupin’s partnership with Honeywell underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality medicines while working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our patients and communities worldwide. By integrating Solstice Air into our products, we are not only enhancing patient care but also significantly reducing our environmental impact,” claimed Lupin CEO Vinita Gupta in a recent media statement.
“Solstice Air can play a critical role in ensuring that Lupin’s respiratory inhalers provide safe and effective treatment options, while also leveraging the latest technology to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” added Ashish Modi, President, Honeywell India.
“By continuing to research and develop advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions, Honeywell is committed to driving innovation that enhances healthcare efficacy while pioneering sustainable practices,” Modi claims.