CVS is replacing plastic containers with aluminum containers for some store-brand over-the-counter medications, including allergy and pain-relief products. The company stated it will not increase prices for these products as a result of the packaging change.

Pills have typically been packaged in hard plastic containers for decades. The initial aluminum bottles will be used for value-size containers of CVS-brand medications. These medications contain active ingredients equivalent to products like Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Tylenol, and Advil.

Mike Wier, vice president of store brands at the company, stated: "For OTC medications, aluminum packaging offers several practical and sustainability benefits. Like more traditional packaging options, aluminum provides a strong barrier to help maintain stability and shelf life." The new aluminum bottles also weigh less than the previous plastic versions.

Aluminum containers are accepted for recycling at more facilities than plastic pill containers. To properly recycle the new aluminum bottles, consumers must remove labels and caps. The caps on the aluminum bottles are identical to those used on the plastic versions.

The medication inside the new bottles is identical to the medication previously sold in plastic containers. The aluminum bottles are currently available only for a select group of over-the-counter medications. The company stated it would assess customer response before expanding the aluminum packaging to additional medications or prescription products.

Additionally, the company stated it is redesigning its branding to help customers locate medications more easily.

No independent assessment was available for this report.