Wool Packaging Company wins grant to develop packaging for vaccines

Published: 21-Mar-2012
Pharmaceutical

UK firm will focus on pharmaceuticals version of Woolcool product

The Wool Packaging Company has been awarded a six-figure grant by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board to develop packaging for pharmaceuticals made from sheep’s wool.

The Shropshire-based firm will focus on a special pharmaceuticals version of its Woolcool insulated packaging to protect temperature-sensitive vaccines in transit.

The firm aims to help combat the global problem of more than 50% wastage in vaccines, as reported by the World Health Organisation.

The Wool Packaging Company says Woolcool has already been proven to maintain stable internal temperatures between 2–8°C in excess of 72 hours, more effectively than other packaging including polystyrene cartons, polyethylene foam or air pocket products. The felted wool insulation also provides more effective cushioning protection for fragile contents, such as vaccine vials.

As an additional advantage, Woolcool packaging products are an entirely sustainable solution because sheep’s wool is a naturally effective insulation and available in abundance worldwide. It is also compostable and other elements of the Woolcool packaging are recycled or recyclable.

Woolcool was launched in 2009, initially for the food sector to provide sustainable insulated packaging for the direct delivery of fresh and frozen foods. The Wool Packaging Company now supplies diverse food retailers nationwide, from Abel & Cole to Fortnum and Mason. The product range includes Woolcool insulated courier boxes and pouches and Woolmail insulated envelopes.

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