Pharmacycle Update
Pharmacycle Update
Viatris Australia renews strategic relationship with National Pharmacies and supports recycling of pharmaceutical waste to safeguard the environment
Viatris Australia, a subsidiary of Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, and National Pharmacies, Australia’s largest and one of the most progressive friendly society pharmacy and optical organisations, today announced the expansion of their strategic relationship which will help to broaden access to the first medical blister pack recycling program in South Australia, Victoria, and NSW. Building on their relationship of over 30 years with this three-year extension, will enable Viatris and National Pharmacies to continue to advance sustainable practices.
Viatris Australia Country Manager, Sylvain Vigneault, said, “Our focus on corporate social responsibility is reflected in our values, policies, decisions, and strategies and extends to our expectations of our partners as well. The extension of this program allows Viatris to continue to sustainably deliver high-quality medicines and health solutions, as well as advance our responsible operations.”
“We are excited to continue our relationship with National Pharmacies as it’s a business that also supports healthcare and sustainable practices. We are pleased to support the safe disposal of blister packs in South Australia, Victoria and NSW through this recycling program,” says Mr. Vigneault.
“At Viatris we work to advance responsible and sustainable operations and leverage our collective expertise to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. This partnership is an example of how we can join forces to create a positive impact on the stakeholders and communities we serve and rely upon.”
The blister pack recycling program was piloted in December 2022 and in its first eight months has collected approximately 1.5 million blister packs, which is 2.2 tonne or 30,000L of material. With the further adoption of the program across National Pharmacies stores in South Australia, Victoria and NSW, the program will divert approximately 2 million blister packs by the end of 2023, which is 2.9 tonne or over 40,000L of material from landfill. Plastic and aluminum will be separated and re-purposed as construction materials and thermal blocks.
“We are delighted to be extending our valued relationship with Viatris which last year saw National Pharmacies become the first pharmacy chain in South Australia to recycle medicinal blister packs.
“The initiative, which is available across 44 pharmacy stores, has further strengthened our commitment to become more environmentally sustainable, and has been enthusiastically embraced by our staff, members and wider community.
“Our environment’s health and our own health are intrinsically linked and as Australia’s largest friendly society pharmacy and optical business, it’s important for us to demonstrate leadership to support the wellbeing of our members and customers.” said National Pharmacies Chief Executive, Vito Borrello.
Viatris will continue to work closely with pharmacies to improve patient care, identifying together the tools, resources and support needed to offer more comprehensive care for patients across Australia.