After the Olympics, Notbox targets the cold chain market for healthcare products

The Notbox Company is developing a new reusable coolbox for the healthcare supply chain following its success in transporting blood and urine samples for testing by the World Anti-Doping Agency during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In support of the logistics program at the London games, Notbox was chosen to supply a coolbox for the more than 6,000 anonymous urine and blood samples taken from approximately half of the athletes taking part in events in London and across the UK during the 19 days of competition.

As part of its accreditation process, the Notbox used during the Olympics demonstrated its ability to protect the integrity of blood samples for at least six hours within a 2-12'C temperature range when exposed to ambient temperatures. It was also chosen because it is a lightweight supply chain box that folds flat when not in use, making it easier to backhaul and store.

Jonathan Cobb, Managing Director of The Notbox Company, said: 'Having undergone rigorous testing prior to its selection for the Olympics, the Notbox coolbox proved its credentials when moving up to 400 samples a day to the World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory in Harlow, Essex, provided by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.

'Having since held various discussions with a series of cold chain specialists with customers in the healthcare market, we are now conducting further cold chamber tests to identify the full capability of Notboxes for the pharmaceutical market and to be able to gain the necessary regulatory approvals to satisfy the industry's strict requirements.

Initial laboratory testing is very encouraging for applications in short-haul 2-8 degrees and 'last mile' distribution. We are also testing for compliance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) international shipment of vaccines requirements. We see great potential for Notbox in the healthcare sector and believe it can offer valuable cost savings over traditional packaging and support the CSR programmes of companies in the industry.'

Notboxes are strong, recyclable and multi-use transportation and storage boxes that have been designed to replace traditional single-use cardboard boxes in the supply chain. Current projects being developed by the Notbox team in Europe will help clients achieve cost savings of over $10 million by removing cardboard from their supply chains and will also remove over 15 million kilos of CO2 emissions. This month, Notbox has also launched in North America.

As well as their strength, reusability and ability to fold flat, Notboxes come in a range of sizes and colours and can be easily branded. Bespoke Notboxes can also be produced for specific client requirements.