Most of us don’t think twice about having medication delivered. It’s convenient, reliable, and sometimes even essential. But behind every neatly packaged prescription lies a hidden environmental cost—one that’s growing rapidly.
The pharmaceutical industry produces 52 megatonnes of CO₂ emissions every year—roughly the same as nine million households. A significant chunk of this comes from medication delivery, with transport, packaging, and refrigeration all adding to the problem.
How Much Pollution Does One Prescription Create?
It might not seem like much when you receive a small package of tablets, but the numbers tell a different story. Up to 25% of healthcare-related CO₂ emissions come from transportation, and with 4.5 billion prescriptions dispensed annually in the UK and US alone, the impact quickly adds up.
What’s driving these emissions?
Last-mile delivery– The final journey from pharmacy to home is often the most polluting. A diesel van, for example, can emit over 1,000g of CO₂ per kilometre—multiplied by thousands of trips daily.
Too much packaging– Ever received a tiny blister pack inside layers of plastic and cardboard? Excessive packaging adds to the 300 million tonnes of plastic waste produced globally each year.
Temperature-sensitive medications– Some drugs require refrigeration during transit, using up to 20 times more energy than standard deliveries.
What Can We Do About It?
There’s no denying that medication delivery is necessary, especially for those with mobility issues or long-term conditions. But there are ways to reduce its impact.
✔️ Electric and low-emission delivery– Swapping petrol and diesel vans for electric vehicles or bicycle couriers in cities could cut delivery-related CO₂ emissions by over 50%.
✔️ Batch deliveries instead of single drop-offs– Combining multiple prescriptions into one delivery means fewer trips, less fuel, and a lower carbon footprint.
✔️ Smarter packaging choices– Using compostable materials or cutting back on unnecessary plastic could prevent millions of tonnes of waste every year.
✔️ Click & collect options– For those who can, picking up multiple prescriptions in one go reduces the need for frequent deliveries.
Making Medication Delivery Greener
The way we receive medication is changing. As demand grows, so does the need for sustainable solutions. Pharmacies, delivery services, and healthcare providers all have a role to play in cutting down emissions and waste. It’s about making small but meaningful changes—because staying healthy shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet.
