Topical medication packaging: can more be done to facilitate recycling?

Abstract

Topical medications form the cornerstone of a dermatologist’s prescribing and these are provided in packaging made from a variety of materials including aluminium and plastics. Given the importance of increased awareness about sustainability and recycling, we evaluated whether these materials had potential for recycling and, if so, was any information provided on the packaging of some commonly prescribed topical preparations. Our small analysis suggests there is significant room to highlight the potential recyclability of materials in this packaging, in particular aluminium.