Advancing Sustainability in Pharmaceutical Disposal

The Deterra® Drug Disposal Pouch is a patented technology designed to deactivate unused medications, preventing drug diversion and mitigating the risk of pharmaceuticals leaching into groundwater and waterways. To further align the product with its environmental objectives, the Deterra® pouch is made with greater than 50% bio-based polymer derived from renewable sugarcane, reducing the carbon footprint of the packaging itself from production through end of life.

Material Innovation and Application

Manufactured by Accredo Packaging, the Deterra® pouch required a material that could meet strict technical specifications without relying entirely on traditional, fossil-based plastics. By utilizing I'm green™ bio-based polyethylene, the packaging achieves both reduced carbon footprint and uncompromised performance — demonstrating that sustainability and functional rigor are not competing priorities.”

“These awards are a testament to how I’m green™ bio-based portfolio enables our partners to meet the most rigorous technical standards and their sustainability commitments," said Andres Prince, Key Account Manager at Braskem. "By integrating renewable materials into a product as critical as the Deterra® pouch, we are demonstrating that the transition to a circular, bio-based economy is happening now."

 

Industry Recognition

The Deterra® pouch’s successful application of I’m green™ bio‑based materials has been recognized by the packaging industry for excellence in both technical design and environmental impact thanks to the collaboration with Accredo Packaging:

 

Deterra Drug Disposal Pouch

Silver Award

Flexible Packaging Association (FPA)

Packaging Excellence

Silver Award

Flexible Packaging Association (FPA)

Sustainability

Award of Distinction

PAC
Global

Technical Package Design

 

 

Bio-Based Materials in Practice

The Deterra® pouch illustrates how bio-based polymers can be utilized to elevate the environmental credentials of specialized products. By adopting renewable packaging solutions, brands can effectively lower the carbon footprint of their packaging while maintaining the stringent performance and safety standards their applications require.