Introduction of eco-friendly product packaging materials

Chugai has been working to reduce the thickness of packaging materials, use recycled paper for paper containers and packaging such as individual boxes and cardboard boxes, and label materials in a way that encourages recycling at the time of disposal.

New eco-friendly materials have been developed in recent years and can now be effectively used with pharmaceuticals as well. We have thus begun switching from conventional petroleum-derived virgin plastics (plastics from non-recycled materials) to eco-friendly packaging materials.

While there are various types of product packaging, this switch focuses primarily on four heavily-used types, including press-through packs (PTP) for packaging solid formulations, plastic bottles, aluminum pouches, and syringe blister packs.

Please see the link below for these results.
Initiatives involving Chugai product countermeasures to address reduction of environmental load

Going forward, our goal is to use eco-friendly packaging materials from the product launch stage. We are also studying technology to allow for the use of eco-friendly packaging materials in all of our products by 2030.

In the future, it is expected that new eco-friendly packaging materials, including plastic substitutes and single materials suitable for recycling, will be introduced. We will thus keep a close watch on technological trends, develop more eco-friendly packaging, and promote an even greater reduction in the environmental impact of Chugai’s products.

Kenichi Sakai, Manager, Planning and Packaging Technology Group, Formulation Development Dept.

Using eco-friendly packaging materials is not easy. Their properties differ significantly from conventional materials, making packaging processing extremely difficult. We have developed new processing technologies and succeeded in commercializing products that use eco-friendly packaging materials. Going forward, we will continue our research and development and, through technological innovation, contribute further to reducing environmental impact.

Hiroaki Oie, Planning and Packaging Technology Group, Formulation Development Dept.

While providing high-quality pharmaceuticals, we are also committed to taking responsibility for the impact that their packaging has on the environment. With patients at the center of our thinking, we are developing packaging that ensures the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals while minimizing environmental impact. Balancing the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical packaging with environmental considerations is a technical challenge, but we see this challenge as an opportunity for innovation with a frontier spirit. Going forward, we will continue to pursue innovative solutions with fresh ideas and, in collaboration with partner companies, work on technological innovations that accelerate environmental initiatives across the entire industry.

Koichi Kawahara, Environment Group Manager, Sustainability Dept.

The design of pharmaceutical packaging and containers is an important element of pharmaceuticals, not only for ensuring safety and quality but also for contributing to improved patient medication adherence^* and greater efficiency in medical practices. In addition, issues such as climate change and marine pollution caused by plastic waste are expected to have a major impact not only on people’s healthy lives but also on our business activities. This makes it important to work on reducing environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly packaging materials. Guided by our management principle of “Creating Shared Value with Society,” we will advance both patient-centered, advanced, sustainable healthcare and global environmental conservation activities.