You may have noticed that your infused or injectable medication came in new packaging. We're excited to share why we made the change and how it makes things easier for you. Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions.
1. Why is Coram changing its packaging materials?
Coram is dedicated to supporting the company’s sustainability objectives to ensure that we responsibly manage our operations’ impacts, including reducing plastic use and waste.
At the same time, feedback from patients highlighted challenges with the bulky, non-recyclable packaging we’ve traditionally used for their shipments.
This update to packaging helps improve the patient experience by enhancing accessibility and convenience for our patients, while also supporting our sustainability goals, and continued commitment to excellence in both clinical care and patient experience.
2. What’s different about the new packaging?
The new packaging uses wood and paper-based insulation. It’s compact, durable, and designed to maintain the temperature integrity of medication – and has been tested to perform better than current packaging.
We believe this new packaging will improve our patients’ experience by prioritizing accessibility and convenience, while supporting our sustainability objectives to ensure that we responsibly manage our operations’ impacts, including reducing plastic use and waste. Because the new packaging is compact and durable, it is easier to handle and breaks down with minimal effort, even for patients with mobility challenges.
3. Is the new packaging safe for temperature-sensitive medication?
Yes. The new packaging has been rigorously tested to perform better than current packaging. It adheres to our strict quality performance standards in maintaining temperature control during transit.
Patients will continue to receive their medications safely and reliably.
4. Can the new packaging materials be recycled?
Yes. Because our new packaging features wood and paper-based insulation, most of the packaging materials can be easily disposed of, recycled, or even composted, and it reduces our overall use of plastic in packaging.
5. Will this change affect how patients receive medication?
No. Patients will continue to receive their medication and supplies as usual. The only change is the packaging materials, which are now more sustainable and easier to handle.
6. Will this change increase the cost of medication or delivery?
No. There is no additional cost to patients. This change is part of Coram’s commitment to sustainability and improving the patient experience without impacting patient out-of-pocket expense.
7. What should patients do with the packaging after they unpack their medication?
Patients can recycle or compost most of the materials. The packaging is designed to break down easily and reduce waste.
- Paper-based insulation, box and corrugated insert (if included) can be recycled or composted in home or commercial composting mechanisms.
- Gel packs (if included) – fully non-toxic and can be disposed of in regular trash. Do not pour gel down drains.
- Outer plastic – may be disposed of in regular trash or recycled as you would with plastic bags
- Inner fiber - can be recycled or composted at home or in commercial composting mechanisms (counts as “brown material’), used as mulch, or repurposed for pet bedding or craft projects.