Introduction There is an increasing pressure to prefer propellant free inhaler devices over pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) due to environmental considerations. In this work we present results from three life cycle assessments (LCAs) on dry powder inhaler Easyhaler product portfolio and assess the changes in Easyhalers? environmental impact and carbon footprint (CF) over time.

Methods Three cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments were conducted in 2019, 2021 and 2023. The 2019 assessment covered four products while 2021 and 2023 assessments included all six products in the portfolio. LCA for the protective cover sometimes used with Easyhaler was conducted in 2023. In addition to CF, nine other environmental impact categories were assessed to ensure that no burden shifting occurs.

Results Figure shows the average emissions from the four devices included in all LCAs. For individual products, the decrease in CF was 5.0-6.8% between each assessment. In the latest assessment the CF of average Easyhaler was 547 gCO2e with a range of 452-617 gCO2e. The LCA of the protective cover was assessed for the first time in 2023 and had a CF of 66 gCO2e.

Conclusions The carbon footprint of Easyhaler show steady decrease between LCAs and is in line with the lower limit of previously reported CF for dry powder inhalers. Climate impact from the protective cover was one-tenth compared to climate impact from the inhaler itself.