Temperature controlled packaging is necessary for shipping all kinds of goods–from perishable foods to pharmaceuticals–and it’s especially important in situations where temperature controlled warehousing and shipping aren’t available. However, creating effective temperature controlled packaging can be a challenge to master, especially for small businesses.
In order to create the right temperature controlled packaging solution, businesses must first understand the principles of heat transfer as they apply to packaging. Then, it’s time to examine the most popular tools and materials from Air Sea Containers that allow our customers to create personalized temperature controlled packaging solutions.
Principles of Heating and Cooling
First, let’s think about the basic way that heating and cooling work. Here’s an oversimplified explanation: Heat will always try to reach equilibrium, which means that a hot substance becomes cooler as it transfers its heat to the air around it, and a cool substance becomes hotter as the heat in the air or materials around it transfers to it.
That brings us to insulation. Insulation works by creating a barrier that prevents heat transfer. It’s why an insulated jacket keeps you warm on a cold day, and it’s also why a cooler keeps your drinks cold on a hot day. By using materials that prevent heat transfer (such as down or a Styrofoam cooler), an insulated barrier keeps hot things hot and cold things cold.
What Is Temperature Controlled Packaging?
Many items must be kept within a specific temperature range in order to remain safe for use and fit for purpose. Whether it’s consumer goods or medical specimens, these materials demand precise temperature control and attention to storage and transportation best practices.
Temperature controlled shipping (also known as “cold chain” logistics) is one way that businesses address this need. Cold chain logistics is a booming market that’s likely to continue to see blockbuster growth, but with that high demand comes increasing scarcity and cost.
Temperature controlled packaging is intended to complement and, in some cases, substitute for temperature controlled logistics. Several different types of materials are used to create temperature controlled packaging:
- Insulating materials (such as Styrofoam, plastic or textiles)
- Phase change materials (such as dry ice or refrigerant gel packs)
- Heating elements (such as powered heating blankets or induction drum heaters)
Air Sea Containers has all three of these solutions available to help our customers create efficient and cost-effective temperature controlled packaging.
Temperature Controlled Packaging Solutions from Air Sea Containers
Businesses that need temperature controlled packaging can find great options from Air Sea Containers. Our temperature controlled packaging materials are chosen for quality, reliability and ease of use. Businesses can choose from materials such as:
- Reusable Refrigerant Gel Packs: Forget dry ice—Air Sea’s refrigerant gel packs are safe, non-toxic and extremely effective for keeping goods cool. In addition, they’re recyclable and reusable for a more sustainable temperature control solution. We offer sizes from 16 oz. all the way up to 48 oz.
- Styrofoam Coolers: A cost-effective classic, Styrofoam coolers are ideal for chilling many different types of goods. Air Sea’s insulated Styrofoam coolers even come with a corrugated overpack box for enhanced protection and insulation. They’re ideal for bulk shipping and make a great combination with Air Sea’s reusable refrigerant gel packs.
- Drum Heaters and Tote Heaters: Designed to protect sensitive materials in shipping drums and IBC totes from freezing, drum and tote heaters come in many different shapes and sizes. From Powerblanket® electric heating blankets to Inteliheat’s line of groundbreaking Thermosafe® induction heaters, Air Sea’s selection has the drum and tote heaters you need.
- Specimen Shipping Kits: Medical specimens often require extra precautions during shipping to keep them in their ideal temperature range. Air Sea’s specimen shipping kits are designed especially for safe and efficient medical and scientific shipping, with a re-freezable Bio-Bottle and phase change materials that have been rigorously lab-tested by independent agencies. Our most state-of-the-art products, such as our 3.0L Ultra-Freeze Plus Pack, can keep a specimen at 0ºC for over 168 hours.
Air Sea Containers 3.0L Ultra-Freeze Plus Pack
Air Sea is an industry leader in temperature controlled packaging solutions for businesses of all kinds. Our experts can help you devise the perfect temperature controlled packaging solution for your cargo. Just call (866) 596-9448 or contact us online to learn more.
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