December 20, 2024
Sarah Russell, MP for Congleton, recently visited Bespak, a specialist inhalation contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), to learn about the role of Bespak’s Holmes Chapel site in the global transition to climate-friendly inhalers.
The site has been producing pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) since the 1980s. Bespak is now expanding its footprint with the addition of a new production facility for pMDIs manufactured using the next-generation “greener” propellant, HFO-1234ze. This propellant has a near-zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to propellants that are currently used, which are classed as greenhouse gases. The new facility will enable Bespak to service the increasing demand from global pharmaceutical companies developing more sustainable inhalers. Having completed the construction and equipment installation phase, the project now moves into the next phase of pharmaceutical validation to prepare for commercial production in 2025.
Sarah met with Bespak CEO Chris Hirst and Holmes Chapel Site Director Jeremy Tidmarsh to discuss Bespak’s future investment in the site, and was able to inspect the new manufacturing equipment in detail with Programme Manager Rachel Hirst and Engineering Project Manager Karen McHugh.
Sarah Russell MP commented: “I am excited that Bespak is leading the change to sustainable inhalers at Holmes Chapel, and it was a pleasure to meet the employees that are making such a difference to patients with respiratory conditions – and helping protect the planet with innovative low carbon inhalers. The new manufacturing facility is impressive, and illustrates the UK’s innovation in the life sciences sector. I look forward to supporting Bespak as it further expands the site, creating skilled jobs and training opportunities for our local workforce.”
Jeremy Tidmarsh, Bespak Site Director, added: “At Holmes Chapel we are driven by our mission to help millions of patients to breathe more easily. We are committed to leading the transition to climate-friendly inhalers, and we are moving rapidly towards completing this project which is a significant step in our journey. This is a large and complex installation, and the team of experts at Bespak are working tirelessly to be ready to produce greener inhalers for the patients who need them.”
In addition to the facility expansion, the visit coincided with the final week of COP29, the UN’s annual climate change summit. In keeping with this theme, Bespak also officially announced its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. This commitment reflects Bespak’s dedication to reducing its carbon emissions in line with climate science and working towards a net-zero future by 2050.
For further information and interview opportunities with Bespak, please contact:
Notch Communications
About Bespak:
Bespak is a specialist global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) solely focused on the inhaled and nasal drug delivery industry. It develops and manufactures inhaled and nasal drug products, drug delivery devices and components for the global pharmaceutical market. Headquartered in Holmes Chapel, UK, Bespak provides a specialist, fully integrated service to support customers from early-stage feasibility, analytical and formulation, product development and clinical supply, through to full-scale cGMP batch production.
With a long history in the development and commercial supply of pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs), Bespak supplies a major proportion of the world’s pMDI dosing valves and actuators. Built on established expertise but ready for the future, Bespak is a long-term innovation partner committed to driving sustainability in the industry. The company has both established capacity and ongoing expansions to enable the manufacture of pMDIs with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellants, making it well positioned to lead the green pMDI transition.
More information: www.bespak.com