Billions of plastic pre-filled disposable insulin pens are distributed globally every year, making a massive contribution to the environmental disaster facing all of us. At the end of last year Novo Nordisk began a pilot project called PenCycle, in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire & Rutland, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Users of Novo Nordisk’s pre-filled FlexPen® and FlexTouch® devices, will be able to recycle their empty pens by returning them to local pharmacies in pre-paid mail boxes. The pens will be returned to Denmark where the plastic will be recycled into a range of items, such as chairs and lamps. By the end of 2022, it is expected that 1.1 million pre-filled plastic injection pen devices will have been recycled, with a potential to recycle over 3 million pen devices in 2023, preventing over 56 tonnes of plastic waste. It is hoped the project will be rolled out nationwide.
Meanwhile Roche’s brand Accu-Chek is following suit as low environmental impact is now starting to be used in the marketing of newer products. Consumers are being given information about how to dispose of diabetic kit to ensure it is recycled and Roche Diabetes Care UK is currently piloting a takeback scheme for recycling Tyvek lid seals to reduce landfill. Users are being asked to request Tyvek returns envelope on 0800 7312291 or, to order them CLICK HERE.
