Lupin to pioneer eco-friendly inhalers with Honeywell's low-emission Solstice Air
Team Finance Saathi
20/May/2025

What's covered under the Article:
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Lupin will become the first Indian pharma company to integrate Honeywell’s Solstice Air in its inhalers.
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Solstice Air can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99.9%, transforming respiratory care.
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The collaboration aligns with Lupin’s goal to enhance patient care and promote environmental sustainability.
In a significant move toward sustainable pharmaceutical innovation, Lupin Limited, one of India's top pharmaceutical giants, has announced a strategic plan to incorporate Honeywell’s Solstice® Air (HFO-1234ze cGMP) as a low global warming potential (GWP) propellant in its pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). This will make Lupin the first Indian company to adopt this eco-conscious technology at scale, revolutionising inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Solstice® Air: A Game-Changer for Inhaler Technology
Solstice Air, developed by Honeywell, is a next-generation propellant designed to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of respiratory devices. Traditional inhalers typically use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based propellants that contribute to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, Solstice Air promises to cut these emissions by up to 99.9%, making it a near-zero GWP alternative.
This non-flammable propellant complies with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, ensuring that efficacy and patient safety remain uncompromised.
"By integrating Solstice Air in our products, we are not only enhancing patient care, but also significantly reducing environmental impact," said Vinita Gupta, CEO of Lupin.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between Lupin and Honeywell marks a milestone in India's sustainable pharmaceutical journey, aligning with both environmental goals and patient-centered innovation. As the climate crisis intensifies, industries are being called upon to reduce their carbon footprint, and this partnership is a prime example of how healthcare and sustainability can intersect.
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Honeywell’s Solstice Air enables pharmaceutical companies to move away from outdated, environmentally harmful technologies.
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Lupin’s adoption of this innovation positions it as a leader in climate-conscious respiratory care.
“Solstice Air can play a critical role in ensuring that Lupin’s life-saving devices offer safe and effective treatment options while reducing harmful emissions,” added Jeff Dormo, President of Honeywell’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions business.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals
The use of HFO-1234ze (Solstice Air) will help Lupin support India’s national and global climate commitments. Given the rising demand for respiratory care, especially in urban areas plagued by pollution, an environmentally safer alternative is a critical development.
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India is home to millions of asthma and COPD patients.
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Adoption of low-GWP inhalers will contribute to sustainable healthcare at scale.
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The partnership showcases Lupin’s corporate responsibility and forward-thinking innovation.
Implications for the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
Lupin’s move is likely to set a precedent for other Indian pharma players, especially those active in respiratory therapies. The environmental credentials of pharmaceutical products are increasingly under scrutiny, particularly in European and North American markets. Adopting HFO-based propellants may become essential for maintaining global competitiveness.
This transition will help Indian companies:
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Comply with stricter environmental regulations abroad
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Boost brand reputation in sustainability-conscious markets
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Expand their presence in regulated markets like the US and Europe
About Lupin: A Global Pharma Force
Headquartered in Mumbai, Lupin Limited is a multinational pharmaceutical company with a significant global footprint across over 100 countries. It has built a robust portfolio spanning:
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Branded and generic formulations
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Complex generics and biosimilars
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Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
Lupin has a workforce of over 23,000 professionals, 15 manufacturing sites, and 7 research centers. The company enjoys strong positioning in therapeutic areas such as:
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Respiratory
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Cardiovascular
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Anti-infective
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Diabetology
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Women’s health
Future Outlook and Next Steps
Although the deal terms between Lupin and Honeywell are still under negotiation, the intention to scale adoption is clear. Once formalized, Lupin will begin incorporating Solstice Air propellant into its inhaler production lines, paving the way for mass production of eco-conscious inhalers.
This development is part of Lupin’s long-term strategy to merge scientific excellence with climate responsibility. It also reflects growing global demand for sustainable healthcare solutions, both in terms of environmental impact and patient accessibility.
Conclusion: A Breath of Fresh Air—Literally and Figuratively
Lupin’s partnership with Honeywell marks a turning point in India’s respiratory drug delivery segment, delivering both clinical effectiveness and climate responsibility. This step forward comes at a time when both patients and policymakers are looking for sustainable innovations in healthcare.
As the world transitions to greener alternatives, this collaboration highlights how scientific ingenuity can help reduce emissions without compromising on therapeutic value.
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