Some people mistakenly believe that the only type of protection needed for temperature-sensitive products is good cold chain packaging. It’s true, of course, that some products, particularly temperamental beverages like alcohol, should not be exposed to high temperatures, and it’s important to keep them chilled.
Read more: Winter Shipping Brings Specific RisksHowever, most parts of the world are regions with seasons, and while keeping things cool during summer logistics operations is critical, that doesn’t mean products are safer in the winter.
Damage From The Cold
Depending on the type of product you have, prolonged exposure to cooler temperatures—particularly below freezing—can have a dramatic negative impact on product condition. Wine, for example, can freeze, which affects its flavor; however, more importantly, freezing liquids can cause their containers to break. Because liquid expands when it freezes, frozen beverages run the risk of cracking the can or bottle they are contained in. This isn’t much of an issue in sub-zero temperatures, but once the temperature rises and they revert to a liquid form, this now poses a serious danger of fluids leaking out.
Surprisingly, one of the bigger risks associated with shipping products in winter is electronics. Retail consumer electronics are particularly susceptible to extreme temperature fluctuations. Much of this is due to humidity and condensation. If electronics are moved from a warm, humid environment to one below freezing, this creates a risk of moisture in the air freezing into ice within the electronics themselves. This alone could potentially damage the products, but once the products are brought into warmer temperatures, that ice melts, now introducing liquid to circuit boards, transistors, and other extremely sensitive components.
Protect Against The Cold
Cold chain packaging is useful for creating stable temperatures and maintaining humidity levels. However, this applies to both keeping products cool and keeping them warm, depending on the need. Shipping temperature-sensitive products in the winter often means that cold chain packaging must now maintain warmer temperatures for the product than the current outdoor environment.
However, they also serve the same function of preserving humidity levels, which can be crucial for some products, such as consumer electronics. Keep in mind that just because seasons change and winter arrives, that doesn’t mean that you no longer have to worry about temperature control or making use of cold chain packaging.
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.
