Written question WQ93943

Decarbonisation: inhaler prescribing, use and disposal 2023-2030. A national strategy for Wales (nhs.wales) sets out the ambitious actions that the NHS and its partners will need to take to reduce the carbon impact of inhalers in Wales.

To date the carbon footprint associated with total inhaler use in Wales has decreased by 39% from June 2021 to June 2024, saving 2,141 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.[1]

Within the strategy there is a commitment for collaboration across a range of stakeholders including patients and the public, policy makers, the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals.

The Welsh Government welcomes potential future innovations in carbon minimal pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDI) and recognises the important role that pharmaceutical industry has in supporting the aims of the strategy.

Suppliers are currently able to use self-assessment and reporting tools such as the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment to demonstrate the sustainability maturity of their products. Should suppliers be able to demonstrate a carbon footprint of pMDI devices equivalent to the carbon footprint of non-hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) containing devices, this would be considered as part of the All Wales adult asthma management and prescribing guideline and All Wales COPD management and prescribing guidelines.

Current national prescribing guidelines recommend that inhalers with low global-warming potential should be used when they are likely to be equally clinically effective.

[1] NHS Wales inhaler carbon footprint reports - All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre