Merck Spain Launches Reusable Box Pilot, Expected to Reduce Cardboard by 9 Tons

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Merck has launched the Clack project pilot in Spain to reform pharmaceutical logistics through a circular economy model, partnering with Hospital Universitario de Getafe and Hospital Mutua Terrassa to directly address the massive waste accumulation issue in healthcare facilities.

The project replaces disposable cardboard packaging with reusable foldable technical boxes, designed with a food-grade polyurethane resin composite material to ensure product integrity without transferring particles or affecting sensory characteristics during transport.

The initial deployment focuses on pharmaceutical transport requiring strict low-temperature conditions (2°C to 8°C), validating system effectiveness in the most demanding environments before expanding to all types of distribution.

If implemented across all public hospitals in Spain, the project would reduce 9 tons of disposable cardboard and paper, equivalent to avoiding the felling of 180 trees and saving approximately 1.6 million liters of water typically used in manufacturing traditional packaging.

To ensure the pilot's success, Merck has secured collaboration from the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria), with DHL Supply Chain providing necessary logistics support for the packaging return loop. Additionally, the Higher Technical School of Engineering at Comillas Pontifical University (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas) serves as a technical advisor, ensuring the box design and functionality meet industry requirements.

Sustainability Strategy

This project is part of Merck's sustainability strategy in Spain, where the company has achieved 100% renewable energy supply and reduced air freight to below 2%, avoiding over 33 tons of CO2 emissions in recent years.

Its current circular economy model has largely eliminated waste at the Tres Cantos (Madrid) plant and reduced water consumption by 20% at the Mollet del Vallès (Barcelona) center. Through the new project, Merck integrates environmental protection into daily operations, benefiting the healthcare system and society.

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