End-of-life product management in the pharmaceutical industry: A circular economy approach to addressing pharmaceutical waste collection in Austria and Slovakia

Abstract

The end-of-life product management is an important part of the circular economy that involves the collection, recycling, reuse, or disposal of products that have reached their end of life. In the case of pharmaceutical products, the collection of unneeded or expired medication (UEM) or pharmaceutical waste is a complicated and regulated process in the EU. This thesis focuses on public UEM collection, excluding hospitals, and investigates the knowledge, attitudes, motivation, and administrative aspects related to UEM collection. Using survey, the study aims to test the following hypotheses: Hypothesis 1 suggests a difference between young participants and those under 60 years of age, as older populations are more likely to consume medication regularly and are therefore more knowledgeable on UEM collection. Hypothesis 2 assumes a difference between female and male participants due to differences in pharmacy visits and medication consumption. Hypothesis 3 suggests a difference between Austrian and Slovakian participants based on their cultural, traditional, and regulatory differences. Hypothesis 4 proposes a difference between parents with and without children under 18, as the former may be more informed about UEM collection due to their children's medication needs. Hypothesis 5 assumes a difference between participants with chronic illnesses and those without, as the former may be more acquainted with UEM collection due to their more frequent pharmacy visits. The goal of this research is to identify key problems in pharmaceutical waste collection and offer solutions to increase collection and decrease the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. The findings of this study may inform policies and programs aimed at improving UEM collection and reducing negative environmental impacts.