New single-material blister pack sets new standard for sustainable OTC products

New single material blister pack sets new standard for sustainable OTC products
Sustainability

Bayer and Liveo Research Introduce New PET Blister Packaging with Reduced Environmental Impact.

Bayer has announced the launch of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blister packaging for its Aleve brand in the Netherlands, marking a first in the healthcare industry. Developed in collaboration with packaging specialist Liveo Research, the new packaging format replaces traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with PET, significantly lowering the environmental impact of over-the-counter (OTC) blister packaging.

According to Bayer, this shift aims to reduce the packaging’s carbon footprint by 38% per unit and reduce resource use, with a reported 78% decrease in water usage and a 53% reduction in land use compared to previous packaging formats. Additionally, the new design is 18% lighter per unit.

Blister packaging has historically been difficult to recycle due to its multilayer structure of plastic and aluminium. Bayer’s switch to PET represents a step toward sustainability, though the company highlights that wider changes in recycling infrastructure will be essential to fully integrate this new packaging type into a circular economy.

Bayer and Liveo Research Launch First-of-its-Kind Blister Packaging with Improved Environmental Footprint © Business Wire

This initiative is part of Bayer’s long-term vision to transition its entire OTC blister packaging portfolio to sustainable materials.

Chris Padain, Vice President and Global Head of Design, Packaging, Product Experience & Sustainability for Bayer’s Consumer Health division, said: With its improved carbon footprint and decreased impact on water use and land, we’re proud of this step forward in our journey towards environmental sustainability.

Bayer is also working with industry groups, including the Global Self-Care Federation and the Blister Pack Collective, to promote systemic changes in packaging and recycling. The company has recently joined The Recycling Partnership, contributing to research and industry collaboration to advance packaging innovations and recycling processes.

Latest Packaging News

Corrugated and carton packaging demand rises across Canada
Business

Corrugated and carton packaging demand rises across Canada

Canada’s corrugated and folding carton packaging market is forecast to reach USD 37.27 billion in...
Reusable packaging gains momentum in e-commerce supply chains
Sustainability

Reusable packaging gains momentum in e-commerce supply chains

The global market for reusable e-commerce packaging is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing...
Flexible packaging set for strong growth across North America
Business

Flexible packaging set for strong growth across North America

The flexible packaging sector in North America is forecast to grow significantly over the next...
Sustainable moisture control: Why SUPER DRY is you best choice
Supplier News

Sustainable moisture control: Why SUPER DRY is you best choice

When cargo crosses the ocean, it encounters various risks, including condensation and humidity....
The Real Olive Company optimises production with Autopack machinery
Supplier News

The Real Olive Company optimises production with Autopack machinery

Autopack, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of packaging machinery, has recently partnered with The...