Softbox supports Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution with temperature-controlled parcel shippers

16 Mar 2021 --- Softbox is supporting Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution by supplying high-performance temperature-controlled parcel shippers developed specifically for Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) applications. 

ULT vaccines, such as that developed by Pfizer – BioNTech, uses mRNA (messenger RNA) technology and must be stored at temperatures between -90°C to -60°C to ensure the vaccine’s quality and efficacy is maintained.

The Softbox ULT shipper can maintain the required temperature during COVID-19 vaccine shipping for at least ten days unopened.

High-performance insulation
The Softbox ULT shipper utilizes high-performance insulation materials incorporated in a robust and reusable construction, in conjunction with dry ice, to ensure long-term ULT control.

Based on current guidelines, the innovative shipper can be opened twice a day, for up to three minutes at a time. The ability to reopen the shipper allows clinicians at Point of Use sites to access the vaccine vials required for each day’s immunization clinics without exposing the remaining vaccines to ambient temperatures, supporting vaccine integrity.

When correctly managed, the Softbox ULT shipper can store vaccines for more than 30 days. Through a process called “Re-Icing,” the dry ice in the Softbox ULT shipper can be topped up, ensuring maximum thermal protection of the highly temperature-sensitive mRNA vaccines.Click to EnlargeThe Softbox ULT shipper uses high-performance insulation materials in a reusable construction.

The right choice for Pfizer
Softbox’s extensive knowledge and experience in temperature control packaging solutions and the cold chain industry initially attracted Pfizer’s business.

“They immediately understood the unprecedented task at hand that was in front of us with the distribution of the vaccine, and quickly started to work with us to develop a unique packaging system that does not waste any precious vaccine and creates a seamless experience for customers,” explains Tanya Alcorn, vice president, Biopharma Global Supply Chain for Pfizer.

Softbox’s technical capabilities and innovative approach helped Pfizer achieve an “excellent result” in quick time, says Alcorn.Click to EnlargeThe innovative shipper can be opened twice a day, for up to three minutes at a time.

Kevin Valentine, Softbox CEO, adds: “We are immensely proud to be playing such an important role in the fight against COVID-19. We worked extremely hard during 2020 to help Pfizer develop this highly innovative ULT shipper, establishing one of the world’s largest fleets of reusable temperature-controlled parcel shippers in the process, and setting up two world-class service centers to support ULT shipper refurbishment.”

“It’s a huge honor to have the opportunity to support the distribution of these vital vaccines at the right temperature, maintain their integrity and help save millions of lives.”

Softbox is a global innovator and provider of passive temperature control packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, life science and cold chain logistics industries.

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Edited by Joshua Poole

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