| Title |
Increasing the Circularity of Packaging along Pharmaceuticals Value Chain |
| ID_Doc |
27215 |
| Authors |
Salmenperä, H; Kauppi, S; Dahlbo, H; Fjäder, P |
| Title |
Increasing the Circularity of Packaging along Pharmaceuticals Value Chain |
| Year |
2022 |
| Published |
Sustainability, 14.0, 8 |
| DOI |
10.3390/su14084715 |
| Abstract |
Pharmaceutical packaging is a complex group of products, the main purpose of which is to protect the medicine and forward information. Pharmaceutical packaging waste is generated and accumulated along the various phases and practices of the value chain. In general, the amount of packaging has been growing during the increasing political pressure to reduce waste and to increase the circulation of materials. The goals and solutions are expected to be found in the circular economy; however, the literature on circular pharmaceutical packaging is lacking. This study explores the key factors when promoting the circularity of pharmaceutical packaging along its value chain. This was conducted by reviewing the legislation, elaborating the value chain and analysing the data from focus group discussions with stakeholders. The results show that various barriers, such as legislation, a lack of information or interaction between stakeholders, but also rigid practices, block product design for circularity. In the developing circularity of packaging, the causal links along the value chain must be understood. Chemical recycling technologies are expected to resolve the challenges of maintaining clean cycles. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the environmental benefits of increasing circularity along the value chain of pharmaceutical packaging. |
| Author Keywords |
pharmaceutical packaging; packaging waste; circular economy; barriers; value chain; stakeholders |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000787016000001 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/8/4715/pdf?version=1649936554
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