Towards a Sustainable Solution: The Barriers and Enablers in Adopting Circular Economy Principles for Medicines Waste Management in UK and Kuwaiti Hospitals

Abdullah Alshemari (), Liz Breen (), Gemma Quinn () and Uthayasankar Sivarajah ()
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Abdullah Alshemari: Arab Open University
Liz Breen: University of Bradford
Gemma Quinn: University of Bradford
Uthayasankar Sivarajah: Kingston University London

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 2495-2525

Abstract: Abstract The significance of medicines lies not only in their medicinal value but also in their cost, emphasizing the importance of proper utilisation to reduce waste and optimise resource allocation. The transition to a circular economy, which entails shifting from the current ‘take-use-dispose’ model to a closed-loop system, emerges as a pragmatic approach to curbing waste generation. This study therefore aims to identify the enablers and barriers associated with adopting circular economy practices in the management of medicines waste within hospital pharmacies, examining practices in both the United Kingdom and Kuwait. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research is validated using empirical data gathered through qualitative interviews (Phase one, n = 29) and quantitative questionnaires (Phase two, n = 86). Key themes were identified in the qualitative data and supported by quantitative results, these were: Barriers and Enablers (Cognitive, Structural and Cultural) and CE Practices (Circulation of products and Eliminating waste and pollution). 89% of the total sample confirmed that legislation was a key barrier to CE adoption. Sustainable design of products and packaging was considered a priority by a large proportion of the respondent sample (89%), but technology was seen to be unsupportive in advancing CE agendas (90% confirmation across both samples). The sharing of medication with other hospital pharmacies was deemed a sensible approach with 75% of the Kuwait sample favouring this. Sharing stock within UK NHS Trusts was practiced but not between Trusts. To maximise the use of products in circulation nearly half of UK participants said they repackaged medications to reduce wastage. Embracing circular economy principles in hospitals’ management of medicines waste presents a promising strategy that can not only enhance national eco-friendly supply chain management practices but also mitigate medicines waste, bolster sustainability efforts, and alleviate disposal costs. Frameworks are proposed to overcome barriers to CE and support pharmacy operational activity promoting higher levels of circular practice.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical supply chain management; Circular economy; Circularity; Sustainability; Hospitals; Pharmacy; Medicines waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00498-9

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