Can blister packs be recycled?

This is a question that many people ask when they are considering the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. Blister packs are a popular form of packaging for a wide range of consumer goods, from pharmaceuticals to electronics. They are lightweight, compact and offer protection to the contents. But what happens to them once they have served their purpose? Can they be recycled or do they end up in landfills?

The short answer is that it depends on the type of blister pack and the recycling facilities that are available in your local area. Blister packs are typically made up of two main components: the plastic tray that holds the product and the foil, paper or plastic backing that seals the tray. Both of these materials can be recycled, but they need to be separated first, which can be a challenge.

The plastic tray is usually made from a type of plastic known as PET, which is commonly used in the manufacturing of drinks bottles. PET is a widely recyclable material and can be processed into new products such as clothing, carpets and packaging. However, in order to be recycled, the PET tray needs to be separated from the foil, paper or plastic backing. This is often

done manually, which can be a time-consuming process and is not always economically viable for recycling facilities.

The foil, paper or plastic backing that seals the tray is typically made from a less recyclable material such as aluminium or PVC. These materials are not as widely recyclable as PET and can be more difficult to process into new products. In some cases, this backing material may need to be sent to a specialist recycling facility in order to be processed.

So, what does this mean for consumers? If you want to reduce the environmental impact of your blister pack usage, there are a few things that you can do. Firstly, try to choose blister packs that are made from a single material, such as PET, as these are easier to recycle than those that have a combination of materials. Secondly, check with your local recycling facility to see what materials they accept. Some facilities will accept blister packs, but others may not have the capability to separate the materials. Finally, if you cannot recycle your blister packs locally, consider using a mail-back recycling scheme. Some manufacturers offer this service, which allows you to post your blister packs back to the manufacturer for recycling.

In conclusion, while blister packs can be recycled, it can be a complex process that requires the separation of materials. Consumers can reduce the environmental impact of their blister pack usage by choosing single-material packs, checking with local recycling facilities and exploring mail-back schemes if recycling is not an option locally. By taking these steps, we can all play a part in reducing waste and increasing the sustainability of our consumer goods.