Sonoco ThermoSafe, Arlington Heights, Ill., USA, a unit of Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., has revealed the results of its survey titled "Assessing the Future of the Cold Chain Industry." The survey was conducted between this past February 26 and July 13, 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. According to Russell Grissett, VP and GM 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. 

Sonoco ThermoSafe is a global provider of temperature assurance packaging for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive products. With operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, the company has a product offering featuring industry-leading technology that encompasses refrigerated, frozen, or controlled room temperature applications.