The Situation
Packaging recyclability is a key area of interest for the pharmaceutical industry. However, the necessary design features of pharmaceutical packaging often means it cannot be effectively managed through mainstream recycling systems. Furthermore, it is also essential to ensure that end of life medicines and their packaging are managed through correctly controlled systems to ensure active pharmaceutical ingredients and other wastes do not leak into the environment and impact human health or natural systems.
Our client has set ambitious targets to support the circularity of its packaging, including a goal for all product packaging to be ‘recycle-ready’ by 2025 and recyclable or reusable by 2030, where safety, quality, and regulations permit. They have also committed to working with partners to drive global and local initiatives to collect, sort, and recycle packaging at scale by 2030.
In pursuit of these goals, the client has been undertaking extensive research and work to ensure its packaging designs can be processed via local recycling infrastructure in different countries and has developed redesigned options for blister packaging, making them mono-material and PVC free.
Anthesis was tasked with determining the recyclability of a new blister pack design in eight markets across Europe and Asia-Pacific. The client also wanted to understand the potential for the use of national recyclability logos and recyclability claims in each of the markets.
Solution
Research was led by Anthesis with support from Verde Consulting to gain insights for each country, including:
- Systems for managing blister packs still containing medicines in each country and the eventual fate of this material.
- Current acceptance of blister packs into mainstream recycling systems and availability of specialist take back schemes.
- The current steps for collection, sorting, and recycling, and whether this is effective for blisters.
- Local design guidelines impacting blister packs and an assessment of use of local recyclability logos and claims that could be made in each market.
The impact of regulations was noted on relevant topics, including regulations controlling the management and disposal of unwanted medicines, water quality standards for plastic reprocessors, and food contact requirements for recycled plastic.
Research was undertaken primarily through analysis of publicly available information, supported by engagement with key industry contacts in different countries.
Results of the assessment, clearly addressing the relevant questions for each of the eight countries, were presented to the client, supplemented with a concise contextual summary report for each country. Overall findings, technical themes related to recyclability, and conclusions were described in a report and presented to key individuals within the client organisation. The outcomes were designed to provide clear strategic insights as to the recyclability of the blisters within different markets.
Impacts
Knowledge Building
The assets created are being used by the client to build internal understanding of recycling potential for blister packs by market, and to inform discussions with senior decision makers regarding the key topics that influence recyclability of blister packs and progression towards recyclability goals.
Strategic Guidance
The assessment insights will also inform further work on blister pack design and further collaboration between the client and its partners to address the recyclability of medical packaging.
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