Do you need to transport temperature-sensitive products safely? Navigating the world of cold chain logistics can be complex. From regulatory standards like NF S 99-700 to choosing between Water-based or PCM coolants, here is your expert guide to making the right choice.
Choosing isothermal packaging depends on three factors: the required temperature range, transport duration, and logistical constraints. For shipments over 48h, PCM (Phase Change Materials) are preferred over water-based gels due to their thermal stability and “universal packout” capabilities.
1. Understanding isothermal packaging types
Not all insulated containers are created equal. A high-performance solution generally consists of two main components:
- The insulated box: Protected by an outer carton, the insulation can be made of XPS (Extruded Polystyrene), EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), PU (Polyurethane), or high-performance VIP (Vacuum Insulated Panels).
- The cooling elements (briquettes): These act as the “engine” of the packaging, using either watergel briquettes or Phase Change Materials (PCM).
The golden rule: Your packaging must be qualified. For healthcare products, look for the NF S 99-700 standard (AFNOR), which defines rigorous thermal performance testing.
2. Water vs. PCM: which coolant should you choose?
The choice of coolant determines the autonomy of your shipment.
| Feature | Water-Based Gels | PCM (Phase Change Materials) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Temperature | Fixed at 0°C | Variable (e.g., +5°C, +18°C, -21°C) |
| Duration | Ideal for < 24–48 hours | Recommended for 48+ hours |
| Complexity | Seasonal (needs configuration changes) | Monoconfiguration (same all year) |
| Storage | Must be monitored to avoid freezing | Can "hibernate" at target temp |
Pro Tip: PCM briquettes are more suitable for international shipping (DROM-COM, export) because they don’t require different packing methods for summer or winter.
3. Essential checklist: questions to ask before shipping
Before selecting a solution, define your User Requirements Specification (URS):
- Product data: What is the target temperature? What are the stability limits (allowable temperature excursions)?
- Logistical circuit: What are the real-world conditions (duration, ambient storage vs. cold room, AWB or general cargo)?
- Preconditioning capacity: Do you have the freezers or refrigerators needed to prepare the briquettes? Can your staff be trained on specific packing protocols?
Important: Isothermal packaging maintains temperature; it does not cool down a warm product. Always ensure your goods are already at the target temperature before loading.
4. Best Practices for Thermal Safety
To guarantee the integrity of your cold chain, follow these professional precautions:
- Use separators: Never place products in direct contact with frozen briquettes to avoid “cold shocks” or freezing.
- Wait for the melting point: Do not use briquettes immediately after taking them out of the freezer; wait for them to reach their stabilization point.
- Ensure full solidification: Briquettes must be 100% solid to provide maximum thermal energy.
Looking for a hassle-free solution? Explore our Ready-To-Use (RTU) services where we deliver pre-conditioned packaging directly to your site.
5. Navigating regulations: NF, ISO, and ISTA
Understanding performance indicators is vital to ensure compliance:
- Regulations: Mandatory laws (National or EU) that impose strict safety rules.
- Standards (NF, ISO, DIN): Established by official bodies. EMBALL’ISO is ISO 9001-2015 certified and follows the strict AFNOR protocols.
- Industry Standards (ISTA 5B): Often used for mechanical resistance and transit testing.
- Guidelines (WHO/PSCI): Best practices for specific sectors like vaccine or pharmaceutical transport.
Why choose EMBALL’ISO?
Quality is at the heart of our R&D. In our 500 $m2 metrology laboratory, we perform over 1,000 tests per year using 8 climatic chambers to simulate real-world transport cycles.
Ready to optimize your cold chain?