Cold chain logistics are about taking the measures required to protect certain products that must be kept within a certain temperature range to avoid spoilage or a decrease in efficacy. For the majority of a product’s journey, active temperature control, such as in a “reefer unit,” provides the majority of temperature protection, but there’s an important precautionary action businesses can take by investing in integrated cold chaing packaging.
Read more: Integrated Cold Chain Packaging MattersWhat Is Integrated Cold Chain Packaging?
Integrated cold chain packaging is a specific type of packaging that uses passive temperature protection, such as insulating layers, to preserve the initial shipping temperature a product is sent with. Cold chain packaging usually consists of layers of materials that provide different types of proection. Reflective layers, for example, protect a product from radiant sources of temperature change, such as exposure to sunlight. Reflective layers bounce the light and heat away, instead of absorbing it.
Insulating layers protect products from other nearby sources of heat, since heat naturally tries to dissipate and equalize its immediate environment. With the proper insulation, heat from the air and from other nearby sources, such as hot tarmac or asphalt, will not penetrate to a product, even when removed from a reefer unit. These insulating materials are often combined with additiona layers of air that provide more protection against heat, and even additional physical protection against bumps and jostling.
Being Prepared
Integrated cold chain packaging is a crucial precautionary addition for careful business owners since temperature-sensitive products are at their most vulnerable when being transferred from one vehicle to another for the next leg of a journey.
Depending on the product, and the duration of the logistics journey, your choice of cold chain packaging will vary. For example, if a temperature-sensitive product only needs to be kept a few degrees below normal room temperature, and is transported by only one or two vehicles, minimal protection may be required. On the other hand, a product that travels by ship, plane, and train, waiting for long periods exposed to the elements between vehicles, may require much more comprehensive insulated cold chain packaging, especially if there’s a possibility of delays leaving the products more exposed and vulnerable. In general, if you have any concerns of delays along the logistics chain, integrated cold chain packaging can be critical in protecting your product during these unexpected situations.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitve products and want guidance on integraded cold chain packaging to use, we can help. Contact us to discuss your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
