The next time you buy a dozen eggs, get a flu shot or eat a salad, pause to think of how that product made it to you. Each of those items relies on temperature-controlled warehousing and shipping to prevent spoilage in transit.
The cold chain logistics market is estimated to be a $78 billion industry in the U.S. and it’s growing quickly as Americans’ consumption habits change. For the cold chain logistics channel to remain unbroken, a vast network of cooling systems, cold storage facilities, cold transport services, and cold processing and distribution facilities must be carefully linked together.
Of course, in order to reach you, temperature-controlled products must leave the cozy confines of a refrigerator or freezer at different points in the “chain.” Cold chain packaging materials make this possible. This blog will describe the types of cold chain packaging used to keep the products at a constant temperature while on the move. It will also take a closer look at the need for more sustainable cold chain packaging solutions and how recyclable and reusable cold chain packaging is in rising demand.
What is cold chain packaging?
Cold chain packaging solutions involve the use of specialized materials and technologies that help maintain a consistent temperature for perishable goods during storage and transportation. This process is essential to the day-to-day function of several industries.
Food Industry
Cold chain packaging ensures that fresh produce, dairy and frozen foods remain safe and of high quality from farm to table. This is crucial for preventing spoilage and maintaining nutritional value.
Beverage Industry
For beverages, especially those that are perishable like juices and dairy-based drinks, cold chain packaging solutions help to preserve taste and prevent microbial growth.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Perhaps the most critical application of cold chain packaging is in the pharmaceutical industry. Many medications, including vaccines and biologics such as insulin, require strict temperature control to remain effective. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of reliable cold chain distribution for pharmaceuticals.
The demand for sustainable cold chain packaging
The demand for reusable and recyclable cold chain packaging products is on the rise, driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Five statistics highlight this growing trend.
Consumer Preferences
According to a McKinsey survey, 43% of consumers consider the environmental impact of packaging when making purchasing decisions. This indicates a significant shift towards sustainability in consumer behavior.
Regulatory Pressures
More than 9,000 companies worldwide — as well as over 1,000 cities and 1,000 educational institutions — are participating in the Race to Zero. The goal is to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This includes taking a closer look at sustainable packaging, including more sustainable cold chain packaging solutions.
Market Growth
The reusable packaging market for beauty and personal care products in the U.S. grew by a whopping 65% from June 2020 to May 2021. This same shift is now underway in the cold chain logistics industry as cold chain suppliers seek to minimize their environmental footprint.
Corporate Commitments
Packaging Technology Today notes how many companies are committed to using more sustainable packaging. For example, 74% of Americans are interested in buying products in refillable packaging. This trend is driving the introduction of more cold chain solutions that emphasize sustainability, such as reusable cold chain packaging.
Recycling Initiatives
The supply of recycled PET (rPET) has grown by approximately 4% per annum over the past decade, reflecting increased demand for recycled materials. rPET is just one of many recycled materials that offers potential opportunities in the creation of recyclable cold chain packaging.
5 types of sustainable cold chain packaging
“Sustainability” is an enormous topic and can mean different things depending upon the item or industry sector in question. When it comes to the concept of sustainable cold chain packaging solutions, five things are being done to help reduce the environmental footprint of the cold chain logistics channel.
Recyclable Cold Chain Packaging
Materials like recyclable plastics and cardboard are increasingly used for cold chain packaging solutions. These materials can be processed and reused, helping to keep plastic out of landfills.
Reusable Cold Chain Packaging
Solutions such as reusable gel packs and insulated containers are gaining popularity among cold chain suppliers. These products can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use packaging.
Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
Companies are adopting “drain safe” refrigerant gels that have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional options.
Biodegradable Cold Chain Packaging Solutions
Biodegradable raw materials are being used that break down naturally, minimizing environmental impact. Corn-based, starch-based, wood fiber and cotton cold chain packaging are some examples.
Innovative Cold Chain Insulation Materials
Advanced insulation materials that provide better temperature control with less environmental impact are being developed. For example, cold chain solutions made from recycled post-industrial cardboard fibers offer excellent thermal performance while also being recyclable after use.
Cold Chain Packaging Solutions from Taylor
Taylor has provided a wide range of cold chain packaging solutions for more than 20 years. As one of North America’s most trusted cold chain suppliers, we take pride in delivering custom cold chain solutions including:
- Ambient temperature storage products shipped from Taylor warehouses, third-party logistics partners, or direct-shipped from supplier partners.
- A national freezer network for freezing gel packs as a refrigerant for medicines, vaccines and other temperature-controlled products.
This expertise extends to the more sustainable cold chain packaging solutions described in this blog. All of the following — and more — are available through Taylor.
- Biodegradable EPS coolers commonly used in cold chain distribution for pharmaceuticals
- Custom-designed wood-based cold chain coolers
- Corn- and starch-based cold chain insulated containers
- Drain-safe cold chain gels
Contact your Taylor representative to learn more about our warehousing and fulfillment solutions, including cold chain solutions for temperature-sensitive products.
