Logistics has always played an important role in modern life, but as the arrival of the pandemic showed, it is more crucial than ever but also vulnerable. Many unforeseen circumstances can affect the timely arrival and transfer of goods to their next link in the logistics chain. For some goods, a delay means a later arrival, but for others, especially those that are temperature sensitive, a delay can put the effectiveness and safety of those products at risk. Fruits and vegetables, alcohol, medication, and other pharmaceuticals are examples of this. This is where cold chain packaging can be essential for safe delivery, but what is it?
A Chain Of Temperature
We refer to the transportation of goods as a “logistics chain,” this is a metaphor for how cargo arriving at its destination has many steps that are like links in a chain. From the manufacturer, goods arrive at a distribution center. They may drive, fly or sail to another destination where more driving, flying, or even railway transportation is involved before finally arriving at their final destination for sale.
A “cold chain” is a specific type of logistics where the product must be kept at cooler temperatures to remain in safe, effective condition when it is ready for sale. This is usually achieved through two precautions, active and passive temperature control. Active temperature control is environmental control systems, like refrigeration units, designed to keep products cool or chilled.
Passive temperature control is when no sources of power are available to maintain the temperature of the environment artificially. In these instances, cold chain packaging becomes essential. Cold chain packaging is special insulation technology applied to protective layers like double bubble foil or thermal blankets that trap the air around cargo, which is already at optimal temperature. It retains that temperature regardless of the temperature in the surrounding environment.
This means that even if there’s a delay in a truck or plane arriving to accept the cargo, and freight must sit outside unexpectedly on a hot summer afternoon, cold chain packaging keeps that cargo at its optimal temperature and doesn’t allow the higher outdoor temperatures to damage the safety or effectiveness of these temperature sensitive products.
When combined with active temperature systems, cold chain packaging provides added precautionary protection to keep temperature-sensitive products safe.
If you’d like to ensure your business shipping goes smoothly and enjoy more efficient temperature-controlled shipping, we can help. Contact Protek Cargo with your questions and get a quote.
