Community Pharmacy PenCycle Recycling Initiative
Novo Nordisk recycling scheme, PenCycle has been implemented to reduce plastic devices entering UK landfills by up to 1.1 million in the next year.
Humber LPC is encouraging community pharmacies across the region to sign-up and participate in this initiative to recycle insulin pens in partnership with Novo Nordisk and other partners.
PenCycle is an initiative for pre-filled Novo Nordisk pens used for diabetes and weight management treatments. Novo Nordisk are asking pen users to return their empty pens so that they can be recycled and given new purpose. 23 million empty pens go to waste every year and this initiative will support environmental sustainability and reduce waste. PenCycle will not only help reduce waste and advance the sustainability agenda of community pharmacy, but it will also be supporting the transition of the UK health sector and helping achieve the NHS critical environmental targets. You can read more about the Humber ICS and its ‘Greening the NHS’ through this article written by Alexis Percival, Net Zero Lead at Humber and North Yorkshire ICS National Health Executive: July/August 2022
Users of Novo Nordisk’s prefilled FlexPen® and FlexTouch® devices, used to dispense insulin and other medications, will be able to recycle their empty pens as part of this initiative. This can be done through returning their pens via local participating community pharmacies. A welcome pack, materials and a returns box will be provided free of charge by Alliance Healthcare who will also collect the returns boxes when full.
PenCycle Video and Information:
Read the PenCycle Information – July 2022
Watch the PenCycle pen user video 2022 version
PenCycle is simple and completely free of charge. All materials needed to start patients recycling their used pens will be made available to you. The scheme has been developed to work within your daily processes and systems to ensure minimal workload is needed. To view the introductory video and further information about the scheme please click How can I PenCycle? | PenCycle (pen-cycle.co.uk)
Sign Up
PenCycle registrations are now open on the Alliance Healthcare website, once registered pharmacies will receive bins and patient boxes, leaflets and posters etc…
