Sonoco ThermoSafe Launches Via™ Series of Pre-Qualified Shippers

Reusable and Single-use Shippers Ensure Temperature Protection for Clinical Trials Shipments

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Mar 10, 2014, 08:00 ET

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON) and a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, has launched the Via Series of pre-qualified temperature controlled shippers. The Via Series is Sonoco ThermoSafe's most rigorously tested solution for maintaining pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other high-value products within a specified temperature range during transport, making it ideal for clinical trials shipments. A full complement of temperature ranges, sizes and durations ensure the correct solution is available to meet a wide range of requirements.

"The Via Series of shippers is our most technologically advanced temperature controlled shipping system," said Ben VanderPlas, global product manager, Sonoco ThermoSafe. "We have incorporated a number of key features, including a modular design, allowing our customers to easily convert from a reusable system to a one-way configuration. The Via series features simple and fast assembly and zero refrigerant bench time, which can save 30 minutes to over an hour during product loading, greatly reducing our customers' operational complexities."

Vishal Khushalani, director, Global Marketing and Business Development, added, "Using insights from our clinical trials customers, we have been able to offer a high performance shipping system that ensures product efficacy while decreasing total cost of ownership. Additionally, Via shippers are manufactured with environmentally-friendly materials and include our PureTemp^® vegetable oil-based phase change materials (PCMs), which are non toxic and non flammable."

The Via Series of shippers maintains refrigerated, controlled room temperature (CRT), or frozen temperatures for one to five days depending on configuration. Four payload sizes, ranging from 3 to 11.5 liters, are available, and all Via shipping systems are pre-qualified to Sonoco ThermoSafe's real world ISCsilver^® ambient profile. Visit www.thermosafe.com/via to learn more.

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^® 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 2013/2014 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our website at sonoco.com.

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