Sanofi Leads the Way in Sustainable Vaccine Packaging, Eliminates Plastic Blisters
Sanofi, a global leader in healthcare, is making significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of its pharmaceutical products, with a particular focus on vaccine packaging. Currently, 39% of Sanofi’s vaccine packaging is blister-free, a move that saved the company around 130 tons of plastic last year. By 2027, the company aims to make all syringe vaccines across its entire manufacturing network blister-free, marking a major milestone in their sustainability efforts.
A Shift Toward Blister-Free Packaging
The transition to blister-free packaging began in 2016, when Sanofi initiated the removal of plastic blisters from the secondary packaging of its vaccines. This shift has required substantial investment in new equipment across the company’s 10 vaccine manufacturing sites, but it aligns with Sanofi's broader goal of minimizing the environmental footprint of its products and operations.
The benefits of this transition go beyond reducing plastic use. By eliminating blister packaging, Sanofi has cut vaccine storage and shipping costs by roughly one-third. Smaller, plastic-free cartons allow for more efficient cold room storage and easier access for healthcare practitioners (HCPs) and immunization centers. The reduced volume also optimizes transportation logistics, further enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts.
Cartons Deliver Performance and Sustainability
Sanofi’s new blister-free cartons, free from any plastic components, offer the same level of protection and performance as traditional blister packaging. The cartons are designed to withstand shocks, vibrations, and humidity, ensuring product sterility throughout the supply chain. According to a company spokesperson, while the switch to blister-free technology required a significant upfront investment, the cost per unit for the new cartons is equivalent to that of blister packaging.
This transition also addresses a critical need for healthcare facilities: improved storage capabilities. With flu vaccines and other vital products in high demand, smaller packaging enables more efficient use of space, allowing HCPs quicker and easier access to vaccine components during immunizations.
Sustainability as a Growing Priority
The growing importance of sustainability is not lost on healthcare professionals. According to internal market research conducted by Sanofi, 38% of pediatricians in Germany said that eco-friendly, blister-free secondary packaging is a key consideration when selecting vaccine brands. This underscores the increasing influence of environmental factors in medical decision-making, alongside clinical efficacy and real-world experience.
Future Plans for Circularity and Eco-Design
Sanofi’s environmental initiatives extend beyond packaging. By 2025, all new Sanofi products will adhere to eco-design principles, with the company aiming to apply these guidelines to its top 20 best-selling products by 2030. This comprehensive approach highlights Sanofi’s commitment to circularity and reducing its overall environmental impact.
With its continued focus on sustainability, Sanofi is not only reducing plastic waste but also setting new standards for environmentally conscious pharmaceutical practices, ensuring a greener future for healthcare.
