Stop the use of non-recyclable pill blister packs in the UK

The Issue

Pill blister packs are commonly used in the UK to package medication, but they are typically made from a combination of plastic and aluminum materials that are difficult and costly to recycle. This means that most of these blister packs end up in landfills, contributing to the already significant waste problem in the UK.

It has been estimated that the NHS alone generates over 150 million blister packs each year, and this figure does not even account for the blister packs produced by private healthcare companies in the UK. As the demand for medication increases, so does the amount of packaging waste produced.

We are calling on all healthcare companies in the UK to transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives for pill blister packs. By investing in sustainable packaging options, these companies can reduce their environmental impact and appeal to the growing number of consumers who are environmentally conscious.

We understand that companies prioritize profits and cost-efficiency, but we believe that implementing sustainable practices will ultimately benefit both the environment and their business. By taking action and transitioning to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives, these companies can make a significant contribution to reducing waste in the UK and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Join us in urging healthcare companies in the UK to stop the use of non-recyclable pill blister packs and transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives. Sign our petition and make your voice heard!

Here are some additional facts and figures to support the need for sustainable packaging alternatives for pill blister packs:

  • In the UK, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and much of the plastic waste that is not recycled ends up in landfills or in the environment.
  • The NHS is the largest employer in Europe, and it generates over 150 million plastic pill blister packs each year.
  • The packaging industry is responsible for producing around 40% of plastic waste in the UK.
  • By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.
  • In 2018, the UK government introduced a new tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content, highlighting the need for more sustainable packaging options.
  • Sustainable packaging alternatives, such as paper-based blister packs or reusable containers, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pill packaging.

We hope that these additional facts and figures emphasise the urgent need for healthcare companies in the UK to transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives for pill blister packs.

avatar of the starter
Rev'd Julie HardyPetition StarterI am a priest in charge of 3 churches in Essex. Our Eco group looks at ways we can help preserve this world. We have become aware of the huge volume of blister packs which are currently thrown away but which we believe could and should be recycled.

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The Issue

Pill blister packs are commonly used in the UK to package medication, but they are typically made from a combination of plastic and aluminum materials that are difficult and costly to recycle. This means that most of these blister packs end up in landfills, contributing to the already significant waste problem in the UK.

It has been estimated that the NHS alone generates over 150 million blister packs each year, and this figure does not even account for the blister packs produced by private healthcare companies in the UK. As the demand for medication increases, so does the amount of packaging waste produced.

We are calling on all healthcare companies in the UK to transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives for pill blister packs. By investing in sustainable packaging options, these companies can reduce their environmental impact and appeal to the growing number of consumers who are environmentally conscious.

We understand that companies prioritize profits and cost-efficiency, but we believe that implementing sustainable practices will ultimately benefit both the environment and their business. By taking action and transitioning to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives, these companies can make a significant contribution to reducing waste in the UK and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Join us in urging healthcare companies in the UK to stop the use of non-recyclable pill blister packs and transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives. Sign our petition and make your voice heard!

Here are some additional facts and figures to support the need for sustainable packaging alternatives for pill blister packs:

  • In the UK, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and much of the plastic waste that is not recycled ends up in landfills or in the environment.
  • The NHS is the largest employer in Europe, and it generates over 150 million plastic pill blister packs each year.
  • The packaging industry is responsible for producing around 40% of plastic waste in the UK.
  • By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.
  • In 2018, the UK government introduced a new tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content, highlighting the need for more sustainable packaging options.
  • Sustainable packaging alternatives, such as paper-based blister packs or reusable containers, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pill packaging.

We hope that these additional facts and figures emphasise the urgent need for healthcare companies in the UK to transition to more sustainable and recyclable alternatives for pill blister packs.

avatar of the starter
Rev'd Julie HardyPetition StarterI am a priest in charge of 3 churches in Essex. Our Eco group looks at ways we can help preserve this world. We have become aware of the huge volume of blister packs which are currently thrown away but which we believe could and should be recycled.

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