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Increasing the Circularity of Packaging along Pharmaceuticals Value Chain

Author

Listed:
  • Hanna Salmenperä

    (Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production, Finnish Environment Institute, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Sari Kauppi

    (Programme for Sustainable Circular Economy, Finnish Environment Institute, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Helena Dahlbo

    (Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production, Finnish Environment Institute, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Päivi Fjäder

    (Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production, Finnish Environment Institute, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

Abstract

Pharmaceutical packaging is a complex group of products, the main purpose of which is to protect the medicine and forward information. Pharmaceutical packaging waste is generated and accumulated along the various phases and practices of the value chain. In general, the amount of packaging has been growing during the increasing political pressure to reduce waste and to increase the circulation of materials. The goals and solutions are expected to be found in the circular economy; however, the literature on circular pharmaceutical packaging is lacking. This study explores the key factors when promoting the circularity of pharmaceutical packaging along its value chain. This was conducted by reviewing the legislation, elaborating the value chain and analysing the data from focus group discussions with stakeholders. The results show that various barriers, such as legislation, a lack of information or interaction between stakeholders, but also rigid practices, block product design for circularity. In the developing circularity of packaging, the causal links along the value chain must be understood. Chemical recycling technologies are expected to resolve the challenges of maintaining clean cycles. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the environmental benefits of increasing circularity along the value chain of pharmaceutical packaging.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanna Salmenperä & Sari Kauppi & Helena Dahlbo & Päivi Fjäder, 2022. "Increasing the Circularity of Packaging along Pharmaceuticals Value Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:8:p:4715-:d:794070
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zehua Feng & Xiangdong Liu & Ying Zhao & Zhengzong Huang, 2024. "Evolutionary game model and simulation analysis of multi-stakeholder behaviour for promoting Braille labelling on pharmaceutical packaging in China’s legal framework," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, December.

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