The blister pack was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1960s, gradually replacing traditional glass bottles and paperboard boxes as the standard for pharmaceutical packaging.
This transition marked a significant shift in how medications were stored, dispensed, and consumed. The primary drivers behind this change were the need for improved hygiene, enhanced safety and better dosage control – particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those requiring strict medication adherence. However, at the time, little consideration was given to the long-term environmental implications of this packaging innovation.
Today, blister packs have become a ubiquitous feature within prescription-based pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medicinal products. Their convenience, tamper-evident sealing, and portability have made them the preferred packaging choice across healthcare systems worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the NHS alone is estimated to use over 150 million blister packs annually, contributing to a staggering 36 million tons of blister packs produced each year. While they serve a vital functional role in modern medicine, their environmental footprint has become an increasing cause for concern.
Recycling blister packs presents a significant challenge due to the materials used in their construction. Most are made from a combination of plastic and aluminium foil, fused together through heat and pressure. This composite structure makes separation and recycling difficult, especially given the small size of each unit and the strong adhesive bonds between layers. Unlike single-material packaging, blister packs require specialised recycling facilities that are not commonly accessible through regular household waste systems. As a result, most local authorities in the UK do not accept blister packs in standard recycling bins, leading to their disposal through landfill or incineration.
As demand for sustainability continues to influence public policy and consumer expectations, the future of blister packaging in the UK will likely hinge on the development of more sustainable materials, improved recycling infrastructure, and greater public awareness. Without such innovations, blister packs will continue to pose a persistent environmental burden despite their indispensable role in modern healthcare.
MYGroup has emerged as a key player in blister pack recycling within the UK, offering one of the few closed-loop solutions for this typically hard-to-recycle packaging.
In 2024, MYGroup partnered with Boots to launch a blister pack recycling pilot in 100 stores across the United Kingdom. Due to overwhelming success – with over 170,000 customers participating and more than seven tons of blister packs collected – the scheme was expanded to over 800 Boots stores nationwide by early 2025. Customers are encouraged to return used blister packs and are rewarded through the Boots Advantage Card scheme.
All collected materials are sent to MYGroup’s specialist recycling facility in Hull, where advanced machinery separates the aluminium for reprocessing and converts the plastic into new raw materials, with some being used for MYBoard™ – a durable, plywood-like board used in construction and retail fittings.
Unused medical residue is safely processed and transformed into biofuel under MYGroup’s environmental permits. In addition to its retail partnerships, MYGroup collaborates with local healthcare providers such as GP surgeries, pharmacies and veterinary clinics, allowing members of the public to drop off used medication packs. MYGroup’s model stands out for its scalability, environmental compliance, and innovative reuse of materials – offering a practical and sustainable path forward for blister pack waste in the UK.
