GlaxoSmithKline has announced an initiative to evaluate a new lower global warming potential propellant for its metered dose inhalers as part of an effort to reach net zero carbon emissions. According to GSK, its Ventolin albuterol (salbutamol) MDIs for the rescue treatment of asthma account for 45% of the company’s current carbon emissions, and the company expects that a reformulation would reduce those emissions by 90%. GSK said that if it is able to successfully reformulate the MDIs, it plans to build a new production facility to manufacture the inhalers.
GSK CEO Emma Walmsley commented, “The science is clear that nature loss and climate change are already harming human health, so we must act now to protect and restore the planet’s health if we are to protect and improve people’s health. At New York Climate Week and COP26 later this year, we must redouble our collective efforts to address climate change and nature loss, and that’s why I’m delighted with the new steps we are announcing today, which are a major part of delivering GSK’s commitment to have a net zero impact on climate and net positive impact on nature by 2030.”
Read the GSK press release.
