In a recent UK parliamentary session, the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) was highlighted as a key player in the drive towards sustainable healthcare solutions. This mention came during a question raised by The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford, who enquired about the government’s plans to promote sustainable packaging for NHS-distributed medications, specifically seeking alternatives to plastic blister packs.

Baroness Merron, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, responded by outlining NHS England’s collaborative efforts with various partners, including CiPPPA:

“NHS England is working collaboratively with a range of partners including the Department, the pharmaceutical industry, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and others to support achievement of net zero ambitions for the National Health Service, as summarised in the ‘Delivering a net zero NHS’ report published in October 2020. Action on packaging, alongside a wide range of other activities, will support achievement of these ambitions, often also improving efficiency and reducing cost.
NHS England is supporting specific initiatives such as Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator, a not-for-profit collaborative which aims, amongst other ambitions, to improve the circularity of blister packs. The MHRA provides regulatory and scientific advice to companies improving the environmental sustainability of their products, and can assist with changes to packaging materials.
Patient safety will always be our primary objective, with increased environmental sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging playing an important part in mitigating the long-term impacts of climate change on our patients.”

The recognition of CiPPPA in the parliamentary discussion emphasises the vital role its members have in the sustainability movement within the healthcare sector. Acting as the Project Management Office (PMO) for CiPPPA, TDi Sustainability is proud of the initiative’s success and its members’ support.

CiPPPA is a not-for-profit initiative that unites stakeholders across the pharmaceutical supply chain to tackle the recycling challenges of primary pharmaceutical packaging (PPP). This initiative addresses the industry’s need for sustainable practices by focusing on effective end-of-life strategies, waste reduction, and carbon emission minimisation. CiPPPA facilitates collaboration and innovation by bringing together competing firms in a pre-competitive environment, allowing them to align resources and address global environmental concerns. Managed by TDi Sustainability, this platform aims to embed circular economy practices within the pharmaceutical industry, promoting a more sustainable future.

Get in touch with us if you would like to find out more about this initiative and how TDi can help you bring your industry initiative to life.