Sofrigam introduces hi-tech iBox for ultimate cold chain security

Monchy-le-Preux, France: – Temperature-controlled logistics and pharmaceutical cold chain packaging specialist Sofrigam S.A. has rolled out iBox as a new generation ‘connected’ solution, using space-age technology to ensure temperature monitoring and maintenance of the cool chain in shipping and storage of high value heat-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Jointly developed by Sofrigam’s American and European R&D teams, the iBox is a high performance thermally insulated container incorporating advanced technology and embedded electronics.

Plug and play

The iBox can maintain product temperature at +5°C to ensure cold chain compliance, while delivering customized traceability of internal and external temperatures, with Plug and Play capabilities.

“We created iBox with the aim of facilitating and increasing the logistical security for clients,” explained Sofrigam’s Marketing Director, Laetitia Perche.

“This is a very easy to use solution that offers total control of transported products,” said Ms. Perche.

Affordable, durable, reusable

The iBox construction is very robust, giving high impact resistance and allowing it to be reused more than 100 times. At the end of its life, the container is collected with 95% of the materials recyclable or returned to production.

Sofrigam is recognized for sustainability, having been awarded two “Greener Packaging Awards 2011” in the “environmental impact” and “innovator of the year” categories.

Sofrigam is offering the iBox for purchase or hire, allowing clients to benefit from packaged equipment insurance, maintenance and very quick replacement where necessary.

iBox in detail

Packed with genuine cutting-edge technology, the iBox guarantees flawless stability of temperature, even under extreme conditions, for the transportation of heat sensitive pharmaceutical products, (bio-derived medicines, cancer drugs, insulin, vaccines, etc.).

The iBox combines very high performance insulation, VIP (Vacuum Insulated Panel) with polyurethane which maintains efficiency for up to five days.

The Flight Case type shell delivers high shock-resistance and protects the integrity of the internal components.

The unique and patented iBox temperature regulating system is inspired by technology originally developed by NASA. The thermal regulation unit (TRU) is an internal gel pack refrigeration unit that continually maintains cool temperature.

A thermostatically controlled regulation system opens and closes a thermal duct to drain the heat out of the payload area. This allows internal temperature to be systematically stabilized at +5°C whatever the external temperature profile.

The iBox is equipped with internal and external temperature sensors that record data throughout the journey to provide accurate traceability of temperature fluctuations. Recorder parameters can be programmed and configured according to the needs of each client, using Plug and Play technology that makes it possible to access the temperature readings directly via USB interface for rapid batch release.

Technical specifications:

About Sofrigam

Founded in 1979, Sofrigam is the leading European provider of refrigerated packaging solutions dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry. Sofrigam offers a complete range of customized, pre-qualified temperature-controlled packaging solutions for heat-sensitive biopharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and cosmetics products.

Sofrigam has become one of Europe’s leading cold chain specialists, sharing its expertise via seminars, publications and R&D collaborations. It also offers customized products and services designed to achieve cold logistics that are secure, cost-effective and comprehensively compliant.

The company is headquartered in Ile-de-France with a production site near Arras.

Following 2014/2015 expansion, the design and manufacturing plant for Sofrigam insulated packaging located in Monchy-le-Preux in France is now the biggest site in the world dedicated exclusively to temperature-controlled packaging solutions.

Sofrigam partners with Ater Métrologie, a French-based ISTA and ISO 9001 certified laboratory that specializes in testing, validating and pre-qualifying temperature-controlled packaging and cooling systems. The laboratory carries out some 2,000 tests each year.