Modern pharmaceutical packaging relies heavily on plastic, owing to its wide variety of uses and benefits, including sterility and durability, whilst also being chemically inactive or inert.
However, considering the growing fight against plastic waste, tightening environmental regulation and changing public opinion, it is vital pharma finds new and more responsible ways to use plastic within its primary and secondary packaging.
Using either Post-consumer or Pre[1]consumer Regrind (PCR) materials is one approach that can potentially make a positive difference. This involves using recycled plastic from end users and/or waste from the production process to create new packaging systems.
In this article, we explore the growing use of PCR in pharmaceutical packaging, its benefits and challenges, as well as discussing the reasons why a demand[1]led, responsible and pragmatic approach is necessary.
PCR: A Win-win for Pharma and the Planet?
Pre-consumer regrind or post-industrial recycled (PIR) material is manufacturer waste (such as off-cuts, trimmings and rejects), which is repurposed to create recycled packaging or products.
Post-consumer regrind is consumer waste diverted from landfills and used in the production of plastic packaging or products. The PCR market is being driven by growing consumer awareness about environmental issues and the increasing rise in petroleum prices. This is driving a surge in demand for PCR globally, with many businesses eager to embrace this innovation.
The benefit of PCR makes it even more attractive, despite its sustainability benefits like reducing waste, lowering the carbon footprint of manufacturing, and promoting a circular economy. For example, PCR reduces manufacturer costs as fewer, more expensive, virgin materials are needed in production. There are financial benefits that come with the investment into sustainable packaging because businesses are likely to enjoy a higher ROI due to rising demand and lower costs of manufacturing.
Furthermore, manufacturing cost-cutting will trickle down and benefit healthcare services. For example, according to research conducted by The London School of Economics, the costs of expensive new drugs threaten the financial sustainability of the NHS with spending on branded medicines increasing by over five percent annually. This, in conjunction with gaining traction with environmentally concerned customers, will benefit a business’ brand, earning a good reputation by committing to building long term sustainability and prioritising customers’ needs.
However, all the necessary and stringent regulations within pharma mean virgin plastic cannot be ruled out, owing to the need to safeguard patient safety and medicine integrity. But PCR provides a way for the pharmaceutical industry to reduce and address its contribution to the plastics crisis the world finds itself in. As the adoption of PCR gains momentum, it is essential to acknowledge that sustainable practices go beyond raw materials alone. Holistic sustainability strategies encompass innovative design, responsible consumption and recycling programs.
At the same time, consumers and other stakeholders must understand that PCR is not a silver bullet for solving plastic pollution. Complexities unique to the pharmaceutical industry limit its scope…
Responsible Strategies in The Face of PCR Challenges
Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical industry is among the top global contributors to pollution and finds itself tiptoeing a delicate balance between striving to meet both stringent health and safety requirements set by regulatory bodies and the expectations of environmentally concerned modern consumers.
