Every year, the UK distributes approximately 60 million inhalers1, contributing significantly to the NHS's carbon footprint. Re-Hale, an innovative inhaler recycling programme, has already demonstrated its potential in East Kent by collecting over 40,000 inhalers and saving around 180 tonnes of CO₂. Phase 1 of this project was conducted as a collaborative working project between Chiesi Ltd and Kent
and Medway ICB.
Building on this success, Re-Hale is now expanding to cover the whole of Kent, thanks to a new collaboration between the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) and NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). Together, we aim to make inhaler recycling more accessible than ever, helping pharmacies and dispensaries lead the way in creating a more sustainable future.
Re-Hale is a comprehensive inhaler recycling programme designed to:
Thank you for your interest in Re-Hale! Your pharmacy or dispensary plays a vital role in this recycling effort, and joining the scheme won’t cost you anything extra.
To become part of the Re-Hale programme and support sustainable healthcare, simply click below:
If your pharmacy or dispensary isn’t located in Kent, you can still register your interest to help drive future expansion:
This work is part of a collaboration between the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) initiative and NHS Kent and Medway. For more information on the companies involved in this initiative, please visit cipppa.org/re-hale-inhaler-recycling.
1. https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/2023/02/blog-delivering-high-quality-low-carbon-respiratory-care/
2. https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/whats-already-happening/improving-health-outcomes-for-respiratory-patients-while-reducing-carbon-emissions/
Last updated April 2025