One thing that is clear in the world of logistics is that cold chain packaging can be an extremely vital component of the process. Whether it’s medication, food, beverages, or even delicate electronics, some items must stay within an optimal temperature control range at all times. Failure to do so can result in significant damage and loss.
However, cold chain packaging can mean different things to different businesses and their needs. One of the determining factors for what an ideal cold chain packaging solution is the volume in which items are shipped, and the two main categories have two different solutions.
High Volume
High-volume shipping is all about cost-effectiveness. When you ship a lot of items in bulk, one way to achieve the temperature control you need is through the use of a “reefer unit.” This is a refrigerated cargo container that has its own power requirements to keep the refrigerator operating.
However, there is another option here, and that is cold chain packaging. Insulated container liners, or even insulated blankets, can be used depending on need. If cargo is going to remain in the cargo container for the duration of the transport, then lining the container itself is a good alternative. For high volumes that don’t stay in the same container for the entire trip or as a secondary player of protection, thermal blankets around the cargo itself are also an effective solution.
With thermal blankets, the cold chain packaging is applied to the cargo itself. This provides temperature protection at critical transfer points, such as when cargo has been unloaded from one container but may be waiting for hours or more before the next vehicle arrives.
Low Volume
However, some businesses ship directly to consumers, and in this case, low-volume shipping also requires effective cold-chain packaging. This is especially true in newer, emerging industries, such as “meal kits” that mail out raw ingredients on a regular basis for families to use as part of a meal plan.
Cold chain packaging can help here as well, with insulated box liners and other accessories that, once ingredients have been chilled, help that food to retain the ideal storage temperature, or hours, or even days at a time.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want to know the best way to get those products to their destination safely, we can help. Contact us today to explain your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
