Alcon factories cut landfill to zero

Alcon is the first healthcare company to achieve zero waste to landfill certification from GreenCircle environmental assessors.

The rating applies to two ophthalmic drop and solutions facilities in Fort Worth, Texas  and one in Singapore. The three supply products to markets around the world.

“Alcon teams continually focus on innovative ways to streamline our manufacturing processes to reduce operational waste, and I’m extremely proud to achieve GreenCircle certification as a testament to our commitment,” said Ed McGough, senior vice president, manufacturing and technical operations.

The three facilities manufacture many of Alcon’s over-the-counter eyecare products, including best sellers Opti-free, AOSept plus and Clear Care contact lens solutions. They also make Systane dry eyedrops and Pataday allergy eyedrops.

Alcon’s Fort Worth Aspex site also manufactures surgical procedural and pharmaceutical eyedrops as well as BSS, a sterile intraocular irrigating solution commonly used during surgery.

GreenCircle certification officer, Tad Radzinski, said: “We commend Alcon for earning this certification for all three of these manufacturing plants with their first GreenCircle audit.”

GreenCircle is recognised by the US federal government, the US Green Building Council, the International Living Future Institute and the Association of Plastic Recyclers.