Reducing your pharmacy’s environmental footprint starts with packaging.
Pharmacies, like many other sectors, are facing challenges regarding the reduction of waste and GHG emissions. But they also have a unique advantage: the power to take concrete action, starting with lower-impact packaging choices.
Did you know?
Canada’s GHG emissions
Nearly 5% of Canada’s GHG emissions come from the healthcare sector, the same as aviation.¹
Medications account
Medications account for one quarter of these emissions.²
Healthcare sector
Canada’s healthcare sector is responsible for 2% of global climate emissions, placing it among the top 10 emitters worldwide.⁴
Plastic packaging
87% of plastic packaging is not recycled.³
You can quickly estimate the environmental impact of your medication packaging with our dedicated calculator.
The ecological transition is underway, and pharmacies have a key role to play.
Turn your commitment to sustainability into a strength that builds patient loyalty. By making eco-friendly choices in your pharmacy — from reducing waste to offering greener products — you show patients that you care not just about their health, but also about the future of their environment.
Practical guides and references
Discover content designed to optimize your pharmacy operations: practical tips and sustainable solutions to boost efficiency in the lab.
Practical Guide: Is your medication packaging ethical?
Discover the concept of ethics in medication packaging, and how to know if yours are… or not.
Read the article
Prescription Drug Packaging: 5 Unexpected Levers of Profitability for Pharmacies
Lack of time, limited space, constant pressure on profitability… As a pharmacist, you juggle these challenges every day.
Read the articleWe don’t need to be perfect to make a difference. We just need to begin.
– Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC and architect of the Paris Agreement
Recycle and compost using clearly labeled bins
Prioritize eco-designed packaging
Optimize energy use with LED lighting, timers and energy-efficient devices
Offer bulk products
Optimize and consolidate deliveries
Accept unused medication returns
Choose local suppliers to reduce GHG emissions
Opt for sustainable delivery methods such as bikes or electric vehicles
Work with certified suppliers
Testimonials
Hear what pharmacists have to say about the impact on efficiency, space, and patient care.
Farel Gilbert
Owner pharmacist, Familiprix Farel & Martin Gilbert
Our pharmacy supports local and committed businesses. EcoloPharm vials align with our values. Our staff appreciates their multifunctional design, which eliminates the need to order separate caps.
Scott Penner
Owner pharmacist, Pharmasave
EcoloPharm’s compliance packaging is by far the best I’ve ever worked with. They’ve thought of everything: the size and strength of the cells, the accessories… the system couldn’t be simpler. The group home we serve loves it, as it makes the work easier while increasing patient safety.
Boyd Hao
Owner pharmacist, Myhealth Medical Centre
Nothing is more ingenious or original than the EcoloJar ointment jar. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it also allows our pharmacy to save on inventory costs by reducing the need to purchase a wide variety of jars.
Tasha Porttin
Owner pharmacist, Jasper Mettra
We chose EcoloPharm because their packaging is made in Canada (buying local reduces GHGs!), uses less plastic and is easily recyclable… among many other benefits!
Already more than 4,600 pharmacies trust our packaging solutions to simplify operations and save time.
And that’s just the beginning!
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Try our products in your pharmacy
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Try Our Sustainable Solutions Request Your Kit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Trial Kit
How much does the transition to eco-friendly packaging cost? Is it profitable?
The transition is often financially neutral or even positive.
Designed to simplify pharmacy operations, our packaging reduces handling, speeds up preparation, and optimizes logistics.
Concrete examples:
- EcoloVial vials: one cap fits both child-resistant and easy-open versions, saving time on inventory management and reducing storage space (33% fewer boxes to store).
- EcoPill compliance packaging: reduces jumpers in automation by 10–15× and speeds up verification thanks to its low-glare surface.
- EcoloJar ointment jar: a 3-in-1 product that replaces three conventional jars, simplifying inventory management and freeing up lab space.
In short, EcoloPharm packaging delivers measurable operational and environmental benefits that directly increase your pharmacy’s profitability.
Is it complicated to integrate your solutions into our current workflow?
Our packaging is designed to make your work easier.
After a short training session or a few short videos, your team will be ready to use them confidently. And if needed, our support team is always available to assist you and ensure a smooth transition.
What’s the difference between your packaging and competitors who also claim to be “green”?
A recyclable package isn’t necessarily an eco-friendly one.
EcoloPharm is the only Canadian manufacturer that offers ecodesigned medication packaging, meaning less impact on the planet and greater efficiency in the pharmacy.
- 35% plastic
- 55% energy used in production
- 33% GHG emissions
- 39% cardboard
Operational advantages:
- Time savings: one product, multiple functions = simplified ordering
- Space savings: multifunctional products and optimized formats
- Up to 33% fewer boxes to store
- Up to 75% fewer SKUs to manage
In short: lower impact, higher efficiency… Zero compromise!
How will my patients perceive this packaging?
By choosing EcoloPharm packaging, you strengthen your pharmacy’s positive image while supporting the health of your community, and the planet.
They’re safe and easy to use, promoting medication adherence.
The ecodesign process also builds trust.
According to the 2023 Responsible Consumption Barometer (Sherbrooke University), 83% of Canadians view companies that adopt sustainable practices more favorably.
What if I’m not satisfied after the trial?
If you choose not to continue after your trial, there’s no commitment and no pressure sales. Our team will simply remain available to answer your questions or support you later, whenever the time is right for you and your pharmacy.
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of pharmacies already optimizing their workflow
1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6887560
2 https://www.pharmacists.ca/advocacy/practice-development-resources/environmental-sustainability
3 Government of Canada, Economic Study of the Canadian Plastic Industry
4 https://healthcareclimateaction.org
5 https://imaginecanada.ca/en/360/new-poll-provides-insights-into-canadians-views-of-companies-social-responsibility?
6 Rapport No Longer Niche: Climate-Conscious Purchasing in Canada (BCG, 2023)
7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40078498/
8 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384140951_Climate-conscious_pharmacy_practice_An_exploratory_study_of_community_pharmacists_in_Ontario
* Hospital pharmacy.