Sonoco to transport life-saving pharma containers for Cathay Pacific Cargo
April 11, 2018: Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Cargo and Sonoco ThermoSafe, a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, recently entered into a partnership agreement to the lease the PharmaPort 360 temperature-controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement will enable pharmaceutical shippers to lease PharmaPort 360 containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo. Cathay is the first Hong […]
April 11, 2018: Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Cargo and Sonoco ThermoSafe, a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, recently entered into a partnership agreement to the lease the PharmaPort 360 temperature-controlled bulk shipping container.
The agreement will enable pharmaceutical shippers to lease PharmaPort 360 containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo.
Cathay is the first Hong Kong-based airline to obtain IATA CEIV Pharma Certification, which has boosted its Pharma LIFT capabilities, and offered its global customers with a leading hybrid option to move time-sensitive, high-value medications by air.
Frosti Lau, general manager cargo service delivery, Cathay Pacific said: “Sonoco’s reputation for quality aligns with our own high standards for service delivery. We are delighted to have this unique, and world’s-first partnership with Sonoco ThermoSafe, and we are confident that this collaboration will provide our customers with a consistent solution to transport vital and life-saving pharmaceutical products.”
The PharmaPort 360 is powered with proprietary hybrid technology to ensure extremely precise five degree Celsius temperature control. Once charged, the PharmaPort functions like an active temperature controlled container, without the energy consumption, or heat discharge like other compressor-based technologies.
The PharmaPort’s hybrid technology allows it to operate on battery power, which lasts substantially longer than other active units used for bulk air shipments. It also eliminates the need for refrigerated trucks for lengthy truck lanes. Additionally, it contains a fully integrated, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved telemetry system, which provides real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature, precisely synchronised with GPS location.
Vishal Khushalani, director of global marketing & business development, Sonoco Protective Solutions said: “The PharmaPort 360 provides best-in-class active temperature control, by utilising a hybrid technology that strictly controls temperature to five degree Celsius. It also provides real-time temperature and location visibility across the supply chain. The container is easy to use, and is versatile across transportation modes.”
“By taking the extra time to build in the integrated telemetry, we focused on providing advanced visibility to eliminate chances of product loss. 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,” said Khushalani.