Pharmaceutical company Chiesi has announced that its UK portfolio of respiratory products  - the most widely prescribed in the country – has been certified as carbon neutral.

Chiesi said that it had received the internationally recognised PAS2060 certificate after purchasing carbon removal credits in a reforestation project in India to offset its carbon emissions, building on existing commitments such as working to electrify its car fleet and switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity across its manufacturing sites.

Collectively, these steps aim to achieve a 90 per cent reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions in 2035 compared to 2019.

The company is also working on a carbon minimal inhaler expected to launch in 2025, which with its low global warming potential propellant is aimed at helping to reduce emissions from product sales by 90 per cent between 2019 and 2035.

Chiesi UK and Ireland general manager Ralph Blom said: “We are committed to achieving NetZero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 because creating a healthier climate means a healthier world.

“Through the development of our low global warming potential propellant and our carbon removal initiative, we are well on our way to making our carbon footprint as small as it can be. We will continue our sustainability, regularly assessing our progress and championing a more inclusive and sustainable economy.” 

Chiesi medical director Shish Patel said: “With the only carbon neutral portfolio of respiratory products available in a range of devices and strengths in the UK, Chiesi offers choice and flexibility for patients and prescribers.”

Chiesi operated the Take AIR inhaler recycling scheme pilot in Leciester NHS Trust between February 2021 and April 2023, whereby patients asked participating pharmacies for postage envelopes to send their inhalers back to Chiesi to be recycled.