Magnifying an initiative to combat the environmental impact of blister-pack waste, renowned pharmacy giant Boots has joined forces with waste management firm MyGroup. This collaborative effort aims to introduce a blister-pack recycling scheme at 100 Boots stores across the South East.
As part of this eco-friendly venture, Boots loyalty card holders will be incentivised to participate in the recycling program. Upon depositing 15 empty packs and making a minimum purchase of £10, customers will earn 150 Advantage points. This initiative not only encourages responsible waste disposal but also rewards patrons for their commitment to sustainability.
Addressing the global recycling challenge
The staggering production of over 30 million tonnes of blister packs worldwide annually poses a significant environmental concern. Many of these packs end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to pollution. Recognising the urgency of addressing this issue, Boots and MyGroup are taking proactive steps to manage blister-pack waste responsibly.
MyGroup will play a pivotal role in this initiative by collecting and processing the blister packs at its state-of-the-art facility in Hull. The facility boasts a dedicated line for separating aluminium from plastic, ensuring efficient recycling. The plastic will undergo a PVC recycling process, while the aluminium will be sent to a local refinery for remanufacture into ingots.
Contributing to a circular economy
The recycling program aligns with the principles of a circular economy, promoting the reuse and regeneration of materials. By explicitly mentioning the aluminium industry's involvement in the recycling process, the initiative underscores the broader importance of sustainable practices for sectors that heavily rely on aluminium, a vital component in blister-pack production.
Director Steve Carrie underlined MyGroup's commitment to achieving full recovery of all materials. The company's longstanding partnership with Boots, coupled with significant investments in capabilities, positions them as key players in efficiently managing and recovering widespread waste items.
Steve Carrie commented: "Thanks to our longstanding partnership with Boots and significant investment in our capabilities, we already have the relationships, expertise and reach in place to recover such a widespread waste item at scale as the scheme rolls out."
As Boots and MyGroup pioneer this blister-pack recycling scheme, their collaboration exemplifies a significant stride towards sustainable waste management. This initiative reflects a commendable commitment to responsible business practices and sets a precedent for other industry leaders to follow suit. If you wish to learn more about such green initiatives, have a glance at AL Circle's special report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Sector.
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