Le Lézard
Subject: PARTNERSHIPS

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Cathay Pacific Cargo Launch Global Partnership to Lease PharmaPort 360 Temperature Controlled Bulk Shippers


ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., April 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON) and a leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging, and Cathay Pacific Cargo, one of the world's largest air cargo carriers,  announced a global partnership agreement for the leasing of the PharmaPort 360 temperature controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical shippers to lease PharmaPort 360 containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo.

The PharmaPort 360 utilizes proprietary hybrid technology to provide extremely precise, long duration +5C temperature control for transporting high value cargo for the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Once charged, the PharmaPort functions like an active temperature controlled container without the energy consumption, heat discharge or temperature variability of other compressor-based technologies. The PharmaPort's hybrid technology allows it to operate on battery power substantially longer than competing active units used for bulk air shipments, and it also eliminates the need for refrigerated trucks for lengthy truck lanes. Additionally, the PharmaPort 360 is the only container in the industry that contains a fully integrated, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved telemetry system, providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key mechanical components, precisely synchronized with GPS location. 

Cathay Pacific Cargo, which is CEIV-certified, is the first carrier in the world to sign a direct contract with Sonoco ThermoSafe. The PharmaPort 360 will provide another active container solution to the impressive Pharma LIFT portfolio of Cathay Pacific Cargo, offering more choice and service to customers worldwide.

"Sonoco recently topped the list of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies in the packaging sector. Its reputation for quality perfectly aligns with our own high standards for service delivery," said Frosti Lau, general manager of cargo service delivery for Cathay Pacific Cargo. "We are delighted to have this unique and world's-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."

"We are delighted to partner with a high-quality and service-oriented carrier such as Cathay Pacific Cargo which has one of the most extensive networks in the world. This partnership enables the pharmaceutical supply chain to now directly lease from Cathay Pacific Cargo the best-in-class PharmaPort 360 temperature control containers on a one-way lease basis across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions," said Vishal Khushalani, director of global marketing & business development for Sonoco Protective Solutions. "Additionally, Sonoco's 300+ global locations allow the Sonoco ThermoSafe division to efficiently expand the depot network for leasing PharmaPort units across the globe." Visit www.thermosafe.com/pharmaport to learn more.

About Sonoco ThermoSafe
Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON), 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 customers and ensure product efficacy throughout the extremes of a supply chain. With operations in the Americas, 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® deliver individualized design and testing services 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 (NYSE:SON) is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $5 billion, the Company has 21,000 employees working in more than 300 operations in 33 countries, serving some of the world's best known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is committed to Better Packaging. Better Life. and ranked first in the Packaging sector on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies 2018 list. For more information visit www.sonoco.com.

About Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft. From its origins as a small regional freight operator established in 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways has grown to become one of the world's leading international air cargo carriers. Cathay Pacific's cargo business currently accounts for over 20% of its annual revenues, and has helped to build Hong Kong into one of the world's busiest air cargo hub. The airline currently has a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, namely six 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighter) and 14 747-8 freighters. For more information visit www.cathaypacificcargo.com.

Contact:     Brian Risinger
+843-383-7509
[email protected]
   

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/640e9a0c-f0e4-484b-88da-2fc94dc51c05



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