Reducing Pharma’s Scope 3 Emissions with Low GWP pMDIs

At the prestigious CPHI WW 2024 event in Milan, Aptar Pharma shared an insightful talk on the critical topic of reducing Scope 3 emissions in the pharmaceutical industry with a special focus on the role of low Global Warming Potential (low GWP) pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) for inhaled therapies. This engaging session, titled “The Pharma Challenge with Scope 3 Emissions,” delved into innovative strategies and practical solutions aimed at minimizing our CO2 footprint and advancing sustainability within the sector. Our speakers, Christophe Marie, Senior Director of Product Sustainability and Materials Science, and Chris Baron, Director of Business Development Pulmonary Category, shared their expertise and insights on how Aptar takes responsibility to support our customers in reducing an overall CO2 footprint, emphasizing the impact of a successful transition of inhaled therapies to low GWP pMDIs.

Aptar has defined emission reduction targets

Aptar has clearly committed to reduce emissions on a group level, and thereby help our customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions. Christophe Marie explained in his talk the notable public commitments Aptar has made, such as reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 82% and Scope 3 emissions by 14% by 2030. We have also committed to increasing the use of renewable energy from 57% to 100%. Aptar’s efforts include optimizing production processes, using recyclable materials, and designing products with end-of-life considerations in mind.

Ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions, which encompass all indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, represent a major portion of the pharmaceutical industry’s environmental impact. The industry has recognized the urgent need to address these emissions to meet global sustainability goals. To be successful in substantially reducing Scope 3 emissions a truly sustainable approach must include the entire value chain, from suppliers to end-users. This makes collaborative efforts of the industry along the whole value chain, from formulation to finished product, a crucial premise to achieve essential reductions of a product’s CO2 footprint. The speakers highlighted how Aptar is following such a collaborative approach and outlined based on the example of the transition of inhaler technology to low GWP pMDIs how Aptar Pharma has established ways of collaborative developments with partners and customers.

Low GWP pMDIs in the focus

The transition to low GWP pMDIs using next-generation propellants has been identified as key for pMDI therapies because the new generation of propellants reduces the CO2 footprint of pMDI products significantly and thereby aligns with the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Aptar Pharma has established multiple platforms and services that support the pharmaceutical industry in its transition to the next generation pMDIs. Chris Baron explained at CPHI how joint development approaches with Aptar Pharma can help to accelerate the often lengthy and complex path to a finished pMDI product. An efficient transition of the technology widely used for asthma and COPD therapies, is therefore key for pharmaceutical companies offering respective therapies, to reduce their Scope 3 emissions and the CO2 footprint of pMDI products.

Collaborative approach in low GWP pMDI development

A key success factor to successfully transition to low GWP pMDIs is a smooth and efficient collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry over wide areas of product development, filing and manufacturing. That includes effective collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations), and propellant suppliers. Listening to the talk of Christophe Marie and Chris Baron you will gain knowledge of how a collaborative approach with Aptar Pharma ensures that pharmaceutical industries can de-risk and accelerate the development of your next generation pMDIs.

Developing low GWP pMDI solutions involves several key factors, such as the need for new metering valve configurations that are not only compatible with but optimized for low GWP propellants. The smart choice of materials can aim to reduce extractables and leachables and thereby ensure better compatibility with different propellants and formulations. Additionally, the development process must consider the holistic picture, including interactions between device components, container closure systems, formulations, filling and crimping processes, regulatory needs, and patient considerations.

Industry leaders in low GWP pMDIs

Several companies are leading the way in the development of low GWP pMDI solutions. Efforts of Chiesi, GSK, and AstraZeneca in transitioning to lower GWP propellants were emphasized in the talk. These companies have announced considerable reductions in their CO2 footprints by adopting new propellants. For instance, Chiesi was the first to announce a reduction from current propellants by 90%, while AstraZeneca and GSK have also made substantial commitments to reducing their carbon footprints.

Climate change requires urgent and sustained action

Throughout the session, the importance of immediate and sustained action to combat climate change was stressed. Compelling data and case studies that demonstrate the tangible benefits of reducing Scope 3 emissions were presented. Listen to the talk and learn how adopting innovative technologies and fostering collaboration across the value chain of the pharmaceutical industry can play a pivotal role in achieving global sustainability targets.

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts on the future of sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector. Watch the full recording of “The Pharma Challenge with Scope 3 Emissions” to learn more about the strategies and solutions that can drive meaningful change. Join the speakers as they guide you through the challenges and opportunities in reducing the CO2 footprint and advancing sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry.