Sonoco ThermoSafe and Unilode have signed an agreement for the maintenance, repair and handling of passive temperature-controlled containers.

Sonoco ThermoSafe is a global provider of temperature-assured packaging solutions, while Unilode Aviation Solutions offers outsourced unit load device (ULD) management and repair services.

Unilode will provide its services on Sonoco ThermoSafe’s ‘Pegasus ULD’ passive bulk temperature-controlled containers at several locations.

Engineered with composite materials, Sonoco said Pegasus ULD offers a lighter solution that is “substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers”.

It also contains a fully integrated, FAA-approved telemetry system which provides real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key environmental factors, “precisely synchronised with GPS location”.

“Our partnership with Unilode provides an innovative solution for the rapid expansion of preparation, handling and repair locations on a global basis,” said Sonoco ThermoSafe segment director Ron Haub. “With Unilode, we are pleased to be working with the world’s largest owner/manager of ULDs and their massive airport network, which will accelerate the adoption of the Pegasus ULD during the world’s most demanding need for pharmaceutical distribution.”

Unilode chief commercial officer Marc Groenewegen commented: “Unilode has stepped up its efforts to broaden its MRO customer portfolio and provide high quality maintenance and repair services to specialised ULD manufacturers and service providers in the pharmaceutical industry, in addition to its core airline market.

“We are pleased with our new agreement with Sonoco ThermoSafe that leverages Unilode’s global MRO footprint at key airports in the United States, EMEA and APAC region for repair, handling, inspection, cleaning and equipment inventory control services. This partnership will allow both companies to contribute to the global distribution efforts of the Covid-19 vaccines and other pharmaceutical products, which require temperature-controlled containers for the transport in the air cargo supply chain.”