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CVS Moves Selected OTC Pill Bottles From Plastic to Aluminum

The company says the switch will improve recyclability to help meet its 2030 plastics‑reduction goal.

Overview

  • This week CVS began selling value-size CVS-brand allergy and general pain‑relief over-the-counter medications in aluminum bottles while keeping prices unchanged.
  • CVS describes the new bottles as lighter and more widely accepted by recycling systems than hard plastic containers.
  • The aluminum containers still use the same plastic caps and require shoppers to remove labels and separate caps before recycling.
  • CVS developed the design with Cabinet Health and framed the change as part of a broader private‑label refresh meant to boost shelf visibility and perceived quality.
  • The rollout is a phased test: CVS will track customer response before expanding the aluminum packaging to more products or to prescriptions, and the move supports its pledge to cut plastic use 50% by 2030.