Sepha Article - Reduce Waste Disposal Costs with Deblistering

Deblistering for Waste Disposal
How to Reduce Your Waste Disposal Costs of Reject Blisterpacks by up to 91%

Deblistering has many benefits - one is reduction of waste volume. Blisterpack waste is classified as "Special Waste." This means that it must be disposed of in a very secure way, which translates into very high costs for disposal.

A major UK waste management contractor charges up to Ł800($1200)* /tonne for "Special Waste" disposal. This compares with Ł200 ($300)*/tonne for standard waste. So, to make any savings, there must either be a reduction in the weight of the waste, or a re-classification of the waste into a different, less expensive category.

To investigate potential savings which could be achieved using alternative methods of disposal, a study was conducted** to calculate the average weight reduction that may be achieved by deblistering. On average, the weight of waste packaging was reduced by 63% simply by separating the waste packaging from the product. This translates into considerable savings as the amount of waste designated for the more expensive "Special Waste" disposal is reduced.

Using the above prices, compare the cost of different waste disposal methods for just 1 tonne of reject blisterpacks:

Method 1: All Reject Blisterpacks go to "Special Waste"

All reject blisters containing product are disposed of as "Special Waste"
			Total Cost of Method 1 = Ł800 ($1200)
Cost: Ł800 ($1200)/ tonne

Method 2: Waste Packaging Re-Classified as "Standard Waste;"
Recovered, Good Product still goes to "Special Waste"
The reject blisters are deblistered to separate
the product from the waste packaging

	The recovered product for disposal as "Special Waste"


			Cost of Method 2: 630kg Recovered product as "Special Waste" = Ł504 ($756) + 370kg Waste Packaging "Standard Waste" = Ł74 ($111)
			Total Cost = Ł578 ($867)
	Cost: Ł200 ($300)/ tonne		A cost reduction of 28% over Method 1

Method 3: Waste Packaging still goes to "Special Waste;"
Recovered Good Product is Re-Packaged
The reject blisters are deblistered to separate
the good product from the waste packaging

The waste packaging still goes for disposal as "Special Waste"	The recovered good product goes straight back to the blisterpacking line for re-packaging


		Cost of Method 3: 370kg Waste Packaging as "Special Waste" = Ł296 ($444)
		Total Cost = Ł296 ($444)
	Cost: Ł800 ($1200)/ tonne	A cost reduction of 63% over Method 1

Method 4: Waste Packaging Reclassified as"Standard Waste;"
Recovered Good Product is Repackaged
The reject blisters are deblistered to separate
the good product from the waste packaging

The waste packaging is re-classified as "Standard Waste"	The recovered good product goes straight back to the blisterpacking line for repackaging


		Cost of Method 4: 370kg Waste Packaging as "Standard Waste" = Ł74 ($111)
		Total Cost = Ł74 ($111)
	Cost: Ł200 ($300)/ tonne	A cost reduction of 91% over Method 1

Summary of Relative Cost Savings:

Method 1:	All reject blisterpacks go to "Special Waste" 100% costs (0% savings)
Method 2:	Waste Packaging as "Standard Waste." Recovered, good product as "Special Waste" 72% costs (28% savings)
Method 3:	Waste Packaging as "Special Waste." Recovered, good product is re-packaged 37% costs (63% savings)
Method 4:	Waste Packaging as "Standard Waste." Recovered, good product is repackaged 9% costs (91% savings)

(See table below for more details)

Conclusion: 91% SAVINGS on waste disposal can be achieved

For more advice about how to maximise your waste disposal costs for blisterpacks, contact Sepha

Summary of Cost Savings for Alternative Methods of Blisterpack Waste Disposal:

	Product Separated from Packaging?	Packaging Waste Classification	Treatment of Product (Tablets/Capsules)	Actual Costs	Relative Costs	Relative Savings Achieved
Method 1	NO	Special waste		Ł800 ($1200)	100%	0%
Method 2	YES	Standard waste	Special waste	Ł578 ($897)	72%	28%
Method 3	YES	Special waste	Re-integrated into blister line and repackaged into good blisters	Ł296 ($444)	37%	63%
Method 4	YES	Standard waste	Reintegrated into blister line and repackaged into good blisters	Ł74 ($111)	9%	91%

*Prices correct at time of writing
**Study carried out by Aaron Hewitt for an MBA dissertation