If your business requires shipping temperature-sensitive products, whether in large volumes for cargo containers and pallets or smaller volumes that fit in a box, insulated packaging is crucial. Insulated packaging is a specialized tool designed to maintain products at their optimal shipping temperature and retain that temperature throughout the journey.
Read more: How Does Bubble Wrap Insulation Work?One of the many technologies that is employed to do this is called bubble wrap insulation, but what does it do, and how does insulated packaging make use of this?
Metal Bubbles
The chief principle of bubble wrap for insulated packaging is a layer of protective air. However, what makes this technology so effective is the material that traps the air. Rather than traditional bubble wrap packaging, which uses clear plastic, insulated packaging uses “metalized bubbles.” This means the bubble forming around the air pocket is a metallic element, with aluminum being a popular choice for many reasons.
Aluminum is the perfect choice in many situations because it retains its durability and flexibility even when thinned down to the thickness of a sheet of paper, or even less. This is one reason why aluminum foil is such a common product. However, another equally important property of aluminum is that it has a highly reflective surface, which makes it an ideal form of protection against heat transfer via radiation.
When Used In Shipping
Insulated packaging is especially important during “transitional periods,” such as when cargo and other products are awaiting transfer to another vehicle. While temperature-sensitive products may enjoy adequate environmental protection during transport—especially if they are in reefer units—all this comes to an end when it’s time to take the next step in the journey.
For example, during periods when products are being flown to their destination, they may be transferred to the tarmac of the runway to facilitate faster and easier loading aboard the aircraft upon arrival. This means, however, they are now removed from the protection of reefer units, which use refrigeration to control the temperature. It is here where insulated packaging becomes critical. The layer of air in the bubble acts as a cushion between the cooler air in the packaging itself and the warm air outside. The reflective property of the metalized bubbles means that sunlight and other radiant heat sources don’t penetrate the insulated packaging, instead bouncing off.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want guidance on the optimal way to ship them to their destination, we can help. Contact us to discuss your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
