Active, passive, and hybrid thermal solutions in cold chain packaging

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.