How Orbia Plans to Decarbonize Inhalers for 100 Million Patients Each Year, Accelerating the Pharmaceutical Industry’s Sustainability Transition
Thirty years ago, Orbia’s Fluor & Energy Materials business introduced the most widely used propellant in inhalers: Zephex 134a. Today, it is used in two thirds of all inhalers, enabling 100 million patients to access their lifesaving medicine each year. Even as Zephex 134a became the global standard, the team launched R&D to develop a more climate-friendly solution. After 10 years of development, Zephex 152a was created, which has a 90% less global warming potential than Zephex 134a. Orbia’s latest Megatrendsetters article explores how we’re leading the shift to greener inhalers—combining scientific innovation with environmental responsibility.