Pfizer recognizes Greenville company for role in vaccine transport.

When the nation welcomed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with headlines and jubilation in December, few knew that the box keeping the vials viable at subzero temperatures came from Greenville, the site of Softbox's growing North American headquarters.

At the time, a client confidentiality agreement shrouded Softbox's role in the distribution network, as reported in our Dec. 22 story, but today, Pfizer lauded the company for its role making the vaccine accessible to millions of people across the country.

"Softbox's extensive knowledge and experience in temperature control packaging solutions and the cold chain industry was the right choice for us," Tanya Alcorn, vice president of Pfizer's biopharma global supply chain, said in today's announcement. "They immediately understood the unprecedented task at hand that was in front of us with the distribution of the vaccine, and quickly started to work with us to develop a unique packaging system that does not waste any precious vaccine and creates a seamless experience for customers."

Pfizer's mRNA-based vaccines must be stored at between -90C to -60C, which presented what Softbox Marketing Director Clive Bryant called a "massive challenge" in light of the "torrid scenario" created by supply chain slowdowns last year.

The packaging company was well acquainted with the unique shipping demands of the biopharma industry, however, and developed a reusable ultra-low temperature shipper able to chill Pfizer's vaccines at the optimum temperature in dry ice for at least 10 days if left unopened. When stored in the right conditions, the box could remain at -90C to -60C for up to 30 days.

"Their technical capabilities and innovative approach helped us achieve an excellent result in a very short period of time," Alcorn said in the release.

Between Dec. 14 and March 9, Pfizer distributed 77.7 million doses of...