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

Carlton Packaging wrapX – Smarter pallet wrapping for peak performance
Supplier News

Carlton Packaging wrapX – Smarter pallet wrapping for peak performance

At Carlton Packaging, we believe in Packaging Made Smarter – not just in words, but in action. When...
A celebration of packaging’s power – landmark London Packaging Week closes on a high
Events

A celebration of packaging’s power – landmark London Packaging Week closes on a high

After an action-packed opening day of the 15th London Packaging Week, the doors of the Excel opened...
World Food Day 2025: Packaging's role in food security and sustainability
Sustainability

World Food Day 2025: Packaging's role in food security and sustainability

Each year on 16 October, World Food Day highlights the ongoing challenge of providing safe,...
Ahlstrom introduces a brand-new home compostable coffee pod portfolio
Sustainability

Ahlstrom introduces a brand-new home compostable coffee pod portfolio

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, launches a breakthrough innovative...
Autopack: Why coffee packaging is inspiring continued growth
Supplier News

Autopack: Why coffee packaging is inspiring continued growth

Remember the craft beer revolution? About a decade ago challenger brands took on the big brewers...