Making health care healthier for the environment.
From LinkedIn friends to business partners: How we started Parcel Health, our sustainable medication packaging co.
My co-founder Melinda’s journey to combat plastic waste began in her home country of Malaysia, where she witnessed the detrimental effects of plastic buildup, much of which was exported from the United States. Her passion for environmental sustainability accompanied her to the University of Michigan, where she obtained her PharmD and decided to act on her frustration with plastic waste in the pharmacy.
This decision led her to stumble upon my LinkedIn profile, as I had independently developed a concept for a reusable prescription vial made of stainless steel. Our shared goals and vision for a more sustainable healthcare system began long before she sent me that first LinkedIn message in 2019. It only made sense that we joined forces, which was the start of Parcel Health — a company committed to addressing global healthcare challenges through innovative product design.
Parcel Health’s first product, the Phill Box, a 100% paper recyclable and compostable alternative to plastic pill bottles currently in 40+ pharmacies throughout the U.S. and Canada, launched in 2022. Now, our women-owned company is releasing its second product, the Tully Tube — the only paper vial on the market for pharmacies. Engineered from sustainably sourced paper, the Tully Tube protects medication with a recyclable and water-resistant inner lining. The proprietary Capdapter™ securely connects the paper tube to the child-resistant cap. A release tab on the Capdapter allows for the separation of plastic and paper materials for mono-material recycling when a patient is finished with their prescription.
Together, we remain dedicated to revolutionizing the healthcare industry. We develop sustainable healthcare packaging products, striving to create a cultural shift in the space, particularly in pharmacies. Our mission is to spread awareness, share our innovative solutions, and reduce plastic waste in the healthcare sector.
