TERRYWHITE Chemmart (TWC)has joined global healthcare company Sanofi to promote the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) program nationally.
Known as the RUM Project, the initiative has already disposed of 12.5 million kilograms of medicinal waste over the past 22 years, and aims to reduce the impact of unwanted or out-of-date medicines on the environment through safe and responsible disposal.
"Together with Sanofi, this campaign is about reminding all Australians to dispose of their unwanted medications safely by visiting their local TWC pharmacy," said Nick Munroe, TWC Executive General Manager.
"Storage of expired and unwanted medicines in the home can be dangerous, and unsafe disposal of unwanted medicines can lead to environmental harm.
"These are risks we don't want our communities to be worried about when disposing of these medicines," added Munroe.
Sanofi Australia Country Lead Karen Hood has been a partner of RUM since 2021.
"We know that people want to do the right thing by the planet and that includes disposing of their medicines correctly.
"They just don't know how.
"Together with the passionate team at TWC we aim to boost further action, celebrate the program's success, and reduce the impact of unwanted and out-of-date medicines across Australia.
"This partnership is another example of our accelerated efforts to address climate change and minimise the environmental impact of our business and products, which also includes de-carbonising, eco design of product packaging, and waste reduction."
Toni Riley, pharmacist and Program Director of RUM, said, "this is a first for RUM".
"Partnering with Australia's largest pharmacy network TWC and Sanofi, means we have the chance to reach and inform people at each stage of a medicine's life cycle.
"The last piece of the puzzle is Australians who have out-of-date or unwanted medicines in their home.
"Our free service is available to everyone, and I am optimistic that this campaign will help even more people to take action."
Pictured (L-R): Ben Elder, Chief Commercial Officer, TWC; Karen Hood, Country Lead, Sanofi Australia & New Zealand; Krystel Tresillian, pharmacist and Category Development Manager - Ethicals (Brands and Vaccines), TWC; and Nick Munroe. JG
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