Choosing the best temperature-controlled packaging solution has grown more difficult and important as there are more packaging alternatives available.
Choosing
the best packaging option is a crucial choice that can affect the effectiveness
and safety of the items being carried in the field of life sciences logistics.
Cold
chain packaging is an essential part of temperature-controlled shipping since
it serves as the initial line of defense for perishable goods.
Active,
passive, and hybrid are the three primary categories of cold chain packaging
technologies.
Active
These
systems use mechanical or electric systems powered by an energy source to
keep product temperatures consistent.
These
systems are expensive to buy, operate, and maintain and due to their weight,
potential need for repair while in route, and availability, they are also more
expensive to ship.
Having
said this, these are also simple to use and very precise and reliable devices, guaranteeing
the temperature is maintained throughout the duration of the journey.
Passive
Insulating
materials are used in passive cold chain packaging to shield items from ambient
temperatures.
The
lower level of accuracy can be an issue with this system, and the risk of product
damage exists if a cargo is delayed and the transportation duration exceeds the
packaging’s capacity to maintain temperature control, on the flip side this method
is substantially simpler and more affordable than refrigerated units.
Hybrid
Hybrid
methods use a combination of phase change materials (PCMs) or passive systems (such
as water/ice or dry ice) and thermostatic controls or active systems.
It
has all the pros of combining both methods, but it also has some of the cons,
including the limited availability or the higher cost.
