Signing this petition are concerned environmentally conscious citizens and consumers who want more sustainable solutions for the use of blister packs in pharmaceutical products.

Many of us have watched Season 3 of the ABC’s War on Waste program that highlighted the extent of the blister pack waste problem and the inability for consumers, volunteers and recyclers to manage the scale of the problem without industry commitment to a circular economy.

Medicine plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare, improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. However, with the convenience of pharmaceutical advancements comes an escalating concern - the exponential rise in medicine blister pack waste. These small, plastic-encased packages are ubiquitous in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as a convenient means of dispensing and storing medication. Yet, behind their practicality hides a mounting environmental problem that demands our immediate attention.

We believe there is an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment by addressing the recyclability of your blister packets.

Currently, the blister packets that house pharmaceutical products are not easily recyclable through council recycling programs, which has led to a build-up of non-recyclable waste in our communities and landfills. We are reaching out with the following proposal to contribute to a more sustainable future:

1) Whole industry partnership

The pharmaceutical industry in partnership with the Federal Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia to devise an industry goal of blister pack waste reduction by 2030 and formation of formal partnerships to collect, sort and recycle blister pack waste into usable products. We implore the Medicines Australia Medical Sustainability Group to work with the government to devise binding policies that all members implement.

2) Recycling Stewardship Program

Partner with pharmacies as the collection points for consumers to return used blister packs. This program could involve designated collection points where customers can drop off empty blister packs for proper recycling. Such an initiative would foster a stronger bond between pharmaceutical brands and its environmentally conscious consumers.

2) Recyclable Materials

Actively sourcing reclaimed blister packs to reduce the total amount of virgin plastics and metals used. Strive for a 50% recycled material goal by 2030.

3) Alternative Easy Recycling Packaging

Collaborate with waste and recycle industry for optimisation of packaging materials that are easier to recycle that do not compromise on the clinical efficacy of your products. 

We suggest the design of new containers that do not use blended materials to reduce the mechanical and technical difficulty that makes recycling difficult and not economically viable

4) Government Funding for domestic recycling infrastructure of Blister Packs

Enable federal government funding for localised recycling facilities for these containers supported by industry commitment to a circular economy. We can not simply offshore this problem to the developing world, where the items could be simply put into landfill or recycling practices be problematic outside a highly regulated framework for environmentally best practice.

We implore you to consider and implement these changes for the sake of the planet and our children’s futures. 

Target recipients

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Minister for Environment

Professor Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Elizabeth de Somer, CEO, Medicines Australia 

Anne Harris, MD ANZ, Pfizer

Patrick Desbiens, SVP & General Manager, ANZ, Glaxosmithkline

Ben McDonald, Country President, ANZ, Astra Zeneca

David Rankine, Regional Director, ANZ, Reckitt

Susan Martin, MD, ANZ, Johnson and Johnson

Karen Hood, Country Lead ANZ, Sanofi

Richard Tew, Country President ANZ, Novartis