Sonoco ThermoSafe Survey Reveals Future Needs, Trends of Cold Chain Industry

Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON) and a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, revealed the results of its survey entitled “Assessing the Future of the Cold Chain Industry” at the 12^th annual Cold Chain Global Forum in Boston on Oct. 9, 2014.

The survey was conducted between Feb. 26 and July 13, 2014, and highlights forward-looking trends in areas that significantly impact the cold chain industry – including environmental, trends, logistics and products and services. The survey’s 165 respondents spanned more than 20 countries and five continents.

Survey results are available in the form of videos, an infographic and a detailed report. These resources can be downloaded at: www.thermosafe.com/survey. According to Russell Grissett, vice president and general manager of Sonoco ThermoSafe, the study contained two key takeaways:

• Due to multiple drivers including environmental concerns and the need to improve supply chain efficiencies, customers are increasingly reusing passive packaging systems.
• The industry will see a stronger influence of regulations globally, while at the same time pharmaceutical companies continue to outsource non-core activities, both of which will have a dramatic impact in the next five years.

“As a leader in temperature-controlled packaging, Sonoco ThermoSafe continuously strives to be at the forefront of upcoming trends and key issues that drive our industry,” said Grissett. “The insights gained through this survey will help us contribute to the overall health and growth of the markets in which we participate.”

The survey was co-developed by an advisory panel of industry experts representing Merck; Sanofi; AbbVie, Inc.; UPS Temperature True Packaging; IQPC (Cold Chain Global Forum); Exelsius; Healthcare Packaging; and Pharmaceutical Commerce. The results were analyzed and prepared by Kevin O’Donnell, senior partner at Exelsius.

About Sonoco ThermoSafe

Sonoco ThermoSafe is a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. Sonoco ThermoSafe shipping solutions mitigate risk for our customers and ensure product efficacy throughout the extremes of a supply chain. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Sonoco ThermoSafe has a vast product offering featuring industry-leading technology that encompasses refrigerated, frozen or controlled room temperature applications. In addition, Sonoco ThermoSafe’s ISC Labs^(R) design and testing services deliver individualized and innovative packaging solutions along with qualification and validation services to meet all regulatory requirements. More information can be found at www.thermosafe.com.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.9 billion, the Company has more than 19,900 employees working in 335 operations in 33 countries, serving many of the world’s best-known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the 2014/2015 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

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