Boots rolls out blister pack recycling scheme across the UK

Boots rolls out blister pack recycling scheme across the UK

Sustainability

Boots has introduced a UK-wide recycling scheme that allows customers to recycle empty blister packs while earning rewards for their efforts. The initiative follows a successful pilot in London and the Southeast, which saw 170,000 participants sign up to recycle hard-to-recycle medication and vitamin packaging.

Blister packs, made from a combination of plastic and foil, are not typically accepted through household kerbside recycling collections. In response, Boots has extended the scheme to over 800 stores across the UK, providing more people with access to convenient recycling options.

To take part, customers need to register through the Recycle at Boots app, where they log their empty blister packs before dropping them off at a participating store. Boots Advantage Card holders can earn 100 points — worth £1 — when they recycle five blister packs in one visit and spend at least £5 in-store. The scheme also covers other health and beauty packaging, with 500 points available for every five qualifying items recycled with a minimum spend of £10.

The collected packaging is sent to Boots’ recycling partner, MYGroup, where the materials are separated. The foil is reused immediately, while the plastic is processed into MYBoard™, a durable material suitable for playground equipment, furniture, and construction applications.

Candice Smith, Head of ESG at Boots, said: Taking medicines or vitamins in blister pack packaging is an essential part of everyday life for many of us – even more so during the winter when it is peak cough cold season. We know from our pilot scheme that people want a recycling solution for their empty blister packs, which is why we’re now making it available in towns and cities across the country. We look forward to seeing the recycled materials take on a new life as playground equipment and furniture.

The blister pack recycling scheme is part of the broader Recycle at Boots initiative, which aims to make it easier for customers to recycle difficult materials while reducing packaging waste across the UK.

Latest Packaging News

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe
Supplier News

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe

Paris Packaging Week and Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 2025 kicked off to a flying start...
Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices
Supplier News

Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices

Allpack Packaging Ltd, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, has recently launched a new...
FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging
Sustainability

FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging

Japanese cosmetics brand FANCL has unveiled its latest skincare line, “toiro,” which features...
LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products
Sustainability

LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products

LNER has provided insight into its recycling efforts with a recent visit to its dedicated recycling...
YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035
Supplier News

YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035

The Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) Board has announced its commitment to a net zero target of 10...