Scope
Description
An investigation into the degradation products obtained from the tertiary recycling process of pharmaceutical blister packaging.
The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), introduced in the UK in 2022, aims to reduce plastic waste by promoting the use of recycled materials in plastic packaging. However, pharmaceutical primary packaging remains comprised of solely virgin (newly produced) materials. This is because the use of recycled plastics in primary packaging is largely prohibitive, due to concerns that degradation products will be present in the recycled plastic.
While the industry is aware that degradation products exist, these have never been fully investigated. The VMD is launching this call for interest to undertake research to identify and quantify the degradation products that occur during the tertiary recycling procedure and evaluate the potential for the use of recycled materials in veterinary pharmaceutical primary packaging.
The aims of this research will be to:
• Develop an understanding of the materials currently used in veterinary pharmaceutical primary blister packaging and their most suitable tertiary recycling routes.
• Develop methods to assess the presence of degradation products in both virgin polymers and recycled polymers obtained through the tertiary recycling process.
This work will establish a pathway to more sustainable and safe practices in veterinary medicine packaging by providing clarity on the currently unknown risks of degradation products in recycled plastics.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 November 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 4 months, 11 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
18 September 2025
Engagement process description
This notice is to highlight that the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) wishes to undertake research into the degradation products obtained from the tertiary recycling process of pharmaceutical blister packaging and would like for interested suppliers to register their interest by emailing emily.hayes@defra.gov.uk by 17:00 on Thursday 18 September 2025.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 October 2025
Contracting authority
Veterinary Medicines Directorate
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMDP-3464-HTRN
Woodham Lane, New Haw
Addlestone
KT15 3LS
United Kingdom
Contact name: Emily Hayes
Email: emily.hayes@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Defra group Commercial will be leading the procurement on behalf of the VMD.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Emily Hayes
Email: emily.hayes@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster