Catalyst by Wellstar is investing in Parcel Health to bring patients a better, greener way to take their medicine—starting with the world’s first recyclable, paper-based pill bottle.
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think twice about the container our medication comes in. We pick it up, take what we need, and toss the bottle when we’re done. But here’s the thing: those tiny orange bottles? They add up.
Billions of them are used every year in the U.S. and the vast majority are never recycled. That’s a whole lot of plastic going straight to landfills, or worse—ending up in oceans or our food systems.
So, what’s the better option? The one Parcel Health invented.
This Earth Day, we’re excited to share a partnership that reflects what we’ve heard from you—our Wellstar patients and consumers. You want more sustainable healthcare choices, and we’re delivering.
As part of its broader commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, Wellstar Health System is investing in Parcel Health, a woman-founded brand specializing in sustainable pharmaceutical containers that help maintain medication quality while protecting the planet.
Their innovation—the Tully Tube™ is the first-ever paper-based, recyclable, and automation-ready prescription bottle. It’s made primarily from sustainably sourced paper with a child-resistant cap made from recycled plastic. When you’re done with it, you can recycle or compost the paper part and toss the cap in your regular plastics recycling bin. Simple.
Leading The Way
Catalyst by Wellstar is leading the charge, launching a pilot program this August at the Wellstar Kennestone retail pharmacy location. During the pilot, at least 30,000 eco-friendly containers will be distributed to patients picking up their prescriptions. If successful, the program could expand to other Wellstar retail pharmacies—scaling a sustainable solution across the system.
“This partnership with Wellstar and Catalyst marks a pivotal moment in our journey to eliminate plastic from medicine cabinets everywhere,” says Dr. Melinda Su-En Lee, PharmD, CEO of Parcel Health. “Together, we’re creating a healthier planet while empowering health systems to make more sustainable choices—starting with something as small but powerful as a paper pill bottle.”
Building a Better Pill Bottle
We know that shipping medications requires careful attention to temperature control, durability, and sustainability. Many prescription drugs, including biologics, insulin, and specialty medications, require precise temperature ranges to maintain efficacy. Fluctuations can degrade active ingredients and lead to serious health risks.
Historically, plastic has been the default due to its durability and moisture resistance—but it’s not without flaws. Traditional plastic packaging often traps heat, lacks biodegradability, and becomes brittle over time, increasing the risk of breakage and waste.
Parcel Health’s Tully Tube, featuring their proprietary Parcel Coat technology, provides a compostable layer, which enhances insulation and strength, offering better temperature stability than conventional plastic pill bottles. The innovative packaging meets all federal regulations and exceeds current standards for what is on the market.
So What’s In It For You?
This isn’t just about replacing plastic—it’s about improving on it.
You might be thinking: “Great, but how does this affect me?” Good question. Here’s what you can do by using a Tully Tube for your medications.
– You’re helping reduce waste – without changing your routine.
– You’re making healthcare more sustainable, one refill at a time.
– You’re part of something bigger.
Our research backs this up: In a recent study by Catalyst, 80% of patients said they want healthcare organizations to prioritize sustainability. And 67% said it influences where they get their care. Reducing waste was the top-rated aspect of sustainability patients surveyed wanted Wellstar to improve on. This tells us something big: patients care about our environmental impact. And they’re paying attention.
“This is about making the right thing the easy thing,” says John D. Cooper, Vice President of Venture Investments for Wellstar Health System and Head of Venture Investment for Catalyst by Wellstar. “We want patients to feel good about how their healthcare is delivered—right down to the packaging. With this investment, we’re not just introducing a new product; we’re introducing a new way of thinking about healthcare—one that recognizes sustainability as a core part of quality care. Through initiatives we support, we’ve made it clear that Catalyst by Wellstar is committed to environmental stewardship and long-term impact. Reducing the use of plastic—especially the kind that ends up in landfills or our oceans—is a huge win for both public health and the environment. What’s even more impressive is that this bottle doesn’t compromise on safety or quality.”
This isn’t change for the sake of change. It’s change with purpose. Small steps matter, and this one starts with you. By choosing more sustainable options, you help us make healthcare a little lighter on the planet.
Learn more about Parcel Health.
