Sonoco’s temperature assurance packaging division Sonoco ThermoSafe has signed a lease deal with air cargo carrier Cathay Pacific Cargo for PharmaPort 360 temperature-controlled bulk shipping container.

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Image: Officials from Sonoco ThermoSafe and Cathay Pacific Cargo. Photo: courtesy of Sonoco Products Company.

Under the terms of the deal, the pharmaceutical shippers can lease ThermoSafe’s PharmaPort 360 bulk containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo.

The PharmaPort 360, which uses hybrid technology, is designed to provide precise, long duration temperature control. This allows biopharmaceutical companies to transport high-value cargo.

Cathay Pacific cargo service delivery general manager Frosti Lau said: “We are delighted to have this unique and world-first partnership with Sonoco ThermoSafe, and we are confident this collaboration will provide our customers with a consistent solution for the transportation of vital and life-saving pharmaceutical products.”

The hybrid technology allows the container to operate on battery power for longer periods and eliminates the need for refrigerated trucks for lengthy truck lanes.

Sonoco said that the PharmaPort 360 is the only container in the industry that contains a fully integrated, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved telemetry system.

The telemetry system is designed to provide real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature, as well as key mechanical components, precisely synchronized with GPS location.

Sonoco Protective Solutions global marketing and business development director Vishal Khushalani said: “The PharmaPort 360 provides best-in-class active temperature control while utilising a hybrid technology that maintains strict +5°C control while providing real-time temperature and location visibility across the supply chain.

“Everyone using the PharmaPort’s data services can view each container’s internal and external temperature and location at any time, and the transportation supply chain can respond effectively to any challenges that arise.”

The deal allows Cathay Pacific Cargo to add another container solution to its Pharma LIFT portfolio.

Sonoco said that Cathay Pacific Cargo is the first carrier in the world to sign a direct contract with Sonoco ThermoSafe.