Orbia Advance Corporation S.A.B. de C.V.’s Fluor & Energy Materials business announced its readiness to advance construction of a larger scale medical propellant purification plant, marking a critical milestone in the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) industry’s transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) inhalers. Once operational, the plant will significantly expand production capacity for Zephex 152a (HFA 152a), a next-generation, environmentally sustainable propellant. This facility will meet high-volume needs, supporting the transition of widely used medications.
“Zephex is backed by a rich, 30-year history as one of the most widely used and trusted medical propellants in the world. Our newest solution in Zephex 152a signals Orbia’s transition to a more sustainable future for respiratory inhaler applications,” said Gregg Smith, President of Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials. “This plant is a strategic capital investment intended to secure global supply of our low-GWP Zephex 152a and plays an important role in enabling our customers to achieve their climate goals.”
“Sustainability and accessibility are priorities for Chiesi. We aim to provide the best solutions for as many patients as possible, and we’re working towards this with our full portfolio approach, highlighted by our significant investment in the Carbon Minimal Inhaler. This represents a key step in our journey to achieve net zero by 2035 while continuing to meet the needs of asthma and COPD patients,” said Michelle Soriano, PhD, Executive Vice President, AIR Franchise, Chiesi.
The plant’s capacity readiness is aimed for mid-2026. It will be constructed at Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials’ existing Rocksavage site in Runcorn, UK. This committed investment follows the successful commencement of Zephex 152a production at a smaller scale at the Rocksavage site in 2022. Pre-construction for the new facility is underway and is intended to introduce new jobs into the local economy.
“For several years there has been an increased drive both internally and by our customers to together, reduce the carbon footprint associated with the use of pMDIs. Today marks an exciting step forward in scaling production of our sustainable medical propellant,” said Markus Laubscher, General Manager of the Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials Pharma business unit. “With this larger scale facility we will enable our customers to transition faster.”