Pharmaceuticals and perishables need reliable cold-chain packaging for long-distance shipping. Failure to select the right solution can lead to product damage, shorter shelf lives and even health concerns, but the optimal choice varies between use cases. The best gel packs for long-distance shipping for one company may not be ideal for another.
While specifics may vary between organizations, a few providers stand above the rest as the leading suppliers for all cold-chain shipping needs. Here are the five best packaging providers for your needs.
1. Pelton Shepherd
Source: https://www.peltonshepherd.com/products/glacier-ice/
With over 70 years of experience, Pelton Shepherd provides the overall best gel packs for long-distance shipping. Whether you need something to maintain the most precise temperature ranges or require a sustainable cooling solution, Pelton Shepherd has options you won’t find from any other provider.
The company specializes in gel packs, which provide an easy-to-use and flexible solution to fit in any sized or shaped package. It also boasts the world’s first and only truly compostable gel pack, as well as self-insulating refrigerants for higher precision. All Pelton Shepherd products are also puncture-resistant, use water-based gels and provide cost-effective solutions to even the most complex shipping needs.
2. Cold Chain Technologies
Other leading options for long-distance perishable shipping come from Cold Chain Technologies (CCT). In addition to logistics consulting, the organization sells an impressive range of cooling products. These span from thermal covers to gel packs to pallet-sized active temperature control systems.
CCT’s website includes a selection tool, which is helpful when identifying which of its many options are best for your supply chain. It also offers digital monitoring and tracking solutions you can use to keep an eye on sensitive shipments throughout their logistics journey. The company is ISO 9001-certified, providing additional trust in its level of quality.
3. Peli BioThermal
Source: https://www.pelibiothermal.com/product/credo-cube/
While Pelton Shepherd and CCT offer the best gel packs for long-distance shipping, Peli BioThermal is a leading provider of cold-chain parcels. These use various cooling methods, but all include insulation and refrigeration within the box itself so you don’t need to worry about fitting such protection into an existing package.
Peli BioThermal sells single-use and reusable options in many sizes, cooling technologies and form factors. It even offers large active temperature control units for bulk shipping, which is particularly advantageous for bigger pharmaceutical companies. A global presence and multiple ISO certifications add to its ability to help clients of virtually any size, location and industry.
4. ThermoSafe
Sonoco subsidiary ThermoSafe is another reliable alternative. Like Peli, it specializes in insulated shippers and containers, although it also sells smaller refrigerant units to fit into existing boxes. More recently, it’s moved into eco-friendly envelopes to balance cold-chain demands with the growing need for sustainability.
In addition to selling packaging solutions, ThermoSafe provides multiple supply chain services you may find beneficial. These include real-time monitoring technologies, package design and logistics consultancy. While larger, established businesses may not need all of this support, it can be helpful for those just getting started in cold-chain shipping.
5. Cryopak
Source: https://www.cryopak.com/solutions/coldchainpackaging/sustainable-solutions/nex-eco-shippers/
Alternatively, Cryopak is another provider of some of the best packaging for long-distance shipping. Its lineup is similar to ThermoSafe’s in that it’s less expansive than CCT’s but spans both containers and insertable refrigerants. It also provides pallet shippers and custom solutions if you need something bigger or more unusual.
Cryopak takes sustainability seriously, so it runs a waste-minimizing supply chain service in addition to its eco-friendly refrigeration products. The company can also test packages or map your facility’s temperature profile to give you deeper insight into your operations.
Choosing Between Cold-Chain Packaging Options
Before deciding on a cold-chain packaging provider, you must identify which specific solution best fits your needs. Choosing the optimal partner starts with knowing who’s a leader in the area you most require, so here is a closer look at some of the most common cooling options for long-distance shipping.
Gel Packs
Gel packs are some of the most versatile packaging solutions for long-distance shipping. They typically use phase-change materials (PCMs) or fluids with high freezing points to cool nearby items the same way ice would, but without the risk of melting. Their flexible nature also makes them easy to fit around objects in various package sizes and shapes.
The best gel packs for long-distance shipping are also puncture-resistant and sustainable. While some of these products are reusable, being able to compost or recycle them instead of disposing of them minimizes environmental concerns, which are an issue for many supply chains. Leading options will also maintain consistent temperatures for an extended period.
Ice Packs
Ice packs are similar in that they contain PCMs or freeze-friendly fluid. However, their rigidity means they may not fit as easily into some containers. They’re also typically larger and heavier than gel packs, which may not be ideal in light of how freight rates are rising globally.
Despite those shortcomings, ice packs are still useful in certain scenarios. Some companies prefer them for their resistance to punctures and other disruptions during shipping. They also tend to be more reusable than many gel pack solutions, although this varies between manufacturers.
Active Temperature Control
The most sophisticated options are active temperature control systems. These are essentially portable refrigerators, using electronic monitoring and active cooling devices to maintain consistent temperatures within a package. Many come in larger, pallet-sized form factors, but some are as small as individual boxes.
Active temperature control offers the most consistency of any cooling method. However, they are also the most expensive and heaviest, so they’re only ideal for highly sensitive pharmaceutical products.
Find the Best Packaging for Your Long-Distance Shipping Needs
Once you know which cooling method best fits your needs, you can compare providers offering it. Between these five businesses, you should be able to find the best packaging for long-distance shipping, regardless of what products you must move. Making the right choice here will ensure your sensitive goods remain safe throughout the supply chain.
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