A review on characterization and recyclability of pharmaceutical blisters

Packaging is one of the biggest sectors in the world and the use of aluminium is widespread in the packaging industry. Pharmaceutical blister packages generate a significant amount of solid waste, typically containing plastics and aluminium as thin layers. Since these packages have a complex structure with multiple layers, they are hard to recycle. A separation process of the plastic and aluminium is needed prior to recycling. Hydrometallurgical or thermal processes can be used for the separation. This work reviews the characterization of different types of blisters and the different reagents used in the separation process of the blister layers. Parameters and results of separation processes by using hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, organic solvents, and phosphoric acid were discussed as well as the thermal degradation.