World Courier Unveils Lighter, More Robust Thermal Packaging Solution

Cocoon provides shippers with a cost-effective, temperature-controlled solution for large-scale, high value shipments

World Courier, the global leader in specialty logistics and a part of AmerisourceBergen, unveiled a new packaging solution for pallet-sized shipments that will reduce transport costs and maintain temperature up to 40 percent longer than comparable products. The passive pallet shipper, called “Cocoon,” marks the first packaging innovation from World Courier’s Climate Optimisation Research & Engineering (CORE) Labs – a science-led and data-driven solutions center launched in 2015 to help pharmaceutical manufacturers make the most informed packaging decisions.

Composed of unique honeycomb vacuum-insulated panels, Cocoon weighs 15-to-30 percent less than comparable packaging products, covers Euro and U.S. pallet sizes, and supports three temperature range requirements: -15 to -25 degrees Celsius, 2-8 degrees Celsius and +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. The vacuum-insulated panels, coupled with Cocoon’s phase change materials provide a high-level of thermal protection and stability for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products throughout long-distance deliveries. For example, a Cocoon packaging solution maintained its internal temperature throughout a two-week delivery from Austria to Baghdad, Iraq, which included 10 days of storage in uncontrolled warehouse temperatures.

“With Cocoon, we’re able to address a need that was introduced to us by our customers and provide shippers with a cost-effective, temperature-controlled packaging solution for large-scale, high-value shipments being transported long distances,” World Courier President John Butler said. “As the demand for time- and temperature-sensitive transport increases, Cocoon delivers maximum reliability, quality and performance at the greatest value.”

Cocoon, which requires no external power source during transit, offers transparent qualification via World Courier’s CORE Labs. The CORE Labs solutions center aims to help pharmaceutical manufacturers evaluate, validate and select the right climate-controlled packaging solutions for their specific needs.

Backed by World Courier’s global network of experts and resources, the solutions center also leverages testing results and real-world data to recommend the right packaging and right transport route. The collaboration is meant to help shippers maximize cost savings, time efficiencies and product security.

“The development of Cocoon, which started as a conversation with our customers and resulted in a collaborative effort to create a novel solution that addresses their needs, is exactly what we envisioned we’d be able to accomplish when we launched CORE Labs,” said Doug Cook, president of Global Specialty Logistics at AmerisourceBergen. “Whether it’s data-backed recommendations or thermal packaging solutions, we’re providing shippers with resources to help them make more informed and cost-efficient decisions across their entire portfolio of specialty logistics needs.”

About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen is one of the largest global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services companies, helping both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers improve patient access to products and enhance patient care. With services ranging from drug distribution and Mike Iorfino, Tierney Communications 215-790-4361 – Office 551-427-8194 – Mobile miorfino@tierneyagency.com niche premium logistics to reimbursement and pharmaceutical consulting services, AmerisourceBergen delivers innovative programs and solutions across the pharmaceutical supply channel in human and animal health. With over $140B in annual revenue, AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, and employs approximately 19,000 people. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #12 on the Fortune 500 list. For more information, visit www.amerisourcebergen.com.