French pharmaceutical firm Horus Pharma, a specialist in developing preservative-free ophthalmology products, has partnered with Canadian non-profit organization Plastic Bank on a plastic recycling initiative. The scheme aims to recycle nearly 100tpa of plastic and aligns with Horus Pharma’s environmental programme, Eco’ Ophtalmo, according to Packaging Gateway.

 Launched in September last year, Eco’ Ophtalmo aims to develop recyclable packaging and reaching ‘Plastic Net Zero’. 

Working closely with ophthalmologists, Horus Pharma focuses on raising awareness of the impact of their medical practices on the environment.

Horus Pharma CEO and co-founder Claude Claret said: “Horus Pharma has committed, in partnership with Plastic Bank, to recycling nearly 100t of plastic before it reaches the ocean by the end of 2023.

“This is the equivalent of nearly five million plastic bottles (500ml). In France, the plastic recycling rate averages around 30% of consumption.

“Through our partnership with Plastic Bank, we will ensure 100% of the plastic sold (for more than a dozen products) is recycled and converted into Social Plastic.

“At the same time, the programme has a positive social impact, helping people living in coastal communities in developing countries earn a secure income, plus related social benefits.”

Founded in 2003, Horus Pharma distributes its products in France and other parts of Europe through its subsidiaries in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland. 

Non-profit organization Plastic Bank collects and recycles plastic waste from coastal areas. It has set up more than 600 collection centers in South-East Asia, Latin America, and Africa to date. 

The plastic is recycled and sold to companies that aim to create a more sustainable supply chain for their products.