Pittsburgh Startup’s Tully Tube Named a Top Invention
Parcel Health’s sustainable medication packaging earns a spot on TIME’s 2026 Best Inventions list.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Healthcare
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Parcel Health, a Pittsburgh-based company, has been recognized on TIME’s 2026 Best Inventions list for its sustainable medication packaging. The company has sold more than 1 million units of its Tully Tube since launching the product in 2024.
Why it matters
The company seeks to modernize pharmaceutical supply chains by replacing traditional plastic prescription bottles with eco-friendly alternatives. This shift aims to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste across the healthcare industry.
The Tully Tube uses 40% to 71% less plastic than conventional pill bottles by utilizing a recyclable paper body. The product is currently utilized by 71 pharmacies, health systems, and veterinary practices.
The players
Parcel Health
A healthcare packaging company headquartered in Pittsburgh that develops sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic pharmacy supplies.
Melinda Su-En Lee
A co-founder who helped establish the company in 2020 to address plastic waste in medical packaging.
Mallory Barrett
A co-founder who helped establish the company in 2020 to address plastic waste in medical packaging.
The details
The Tully Tube is designed to block light and moisture while remaining compatible with existing pharmacy automation systems. It features a detachable plastic cap that is available in both child-resistant and easy-open configurations.
Timeline
Parcel Health was founded in 2020.
The startup moved its operations to Pittsburgh in 2021.
The Tully Tube was officially launched in 2024.
The product earned a spot on TIME’s Best Inventions list in 2026.
Market Landscape
This innovation signals a broader shift toward sustainable supply chain management within the pharmacy sector as companies face pressure to reduce environmental footprints. The recognition on TIME's 2026 Best Inventions list validates the company's efforts to disrupt traditional pharmaceutical packaging.
Patients may start seeing these recyclable paper tubes at their local pharmacies or veterinary clinics as the company continues to expand its footprint. These changes do not require adjustments to how patients open or manage their medication thanks to the design's compatibility with standard systems.
The takeaway
Innovation in medical packaging shows that sustainability can be integrated into highly regulated industries without sacrificing functionality. Reducing plastic use at the point of prescription could provide a scalable model for other medical supplies as companies adopt more circular economy practices.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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Would you choose sustainable paper packaging over plastic for your prescription medications?
