[PT] Isothermal packaging: Which is right for your product and customer?

If you have an e-commerce business that uses cold storage containersboxes, bags and/or isothermal bubble wrap, then this article is for you!

The pharmaceutical and food industries are two of the most challenging sectors when it comes to selling products online. Because, as well as having to take care of the presentation of their shipments, they have to ensure that the temperature they are exposed to is correct.

At RAJA we know how important it is for customers to control the temperature of the products they are sending. That’s why the range of insulated packaging continues to grow. In this article we’ll show you all the catalogue references that are the solution you’ve been looking for, to take care of the cold chain of your deliveries and thus improve the customer experience.

1. insulated cardboard boxes for shipments
Yes, postal boxes are now also isothermal. The mailbox boom had to be present in the cold chain too. Especially given the growth of markets such as food, fresh produce and the pharmaceutical industry. The Isostar isothermal American box has flaps that overlap perfectly and can be closed with the simple application of an adhesive, guaranteeing temperature at all times.

• Keeps the temperature between 2º and 8º for up to 24 hours. Depending on the accumulator used.

2. cold accumulators
If you notice, the resistance to temperature variations and the maintenance time of the cold chain depends not only on the cool box, but also on the accumulators.

What is a cold accumulator? They are bags or containers made from non-toxic eutectic gel, used to maintain positive temperatures.
How is it used? It is frozen in a conventional freezer at -20ºC and, once applied, placed in the bottom and top of the cooler boxes.
Are they reusable? Yes, once used, they can be frozen again and will fulfil the same function just as effectively.

Rigid cold accumulator for cooler boxes:
– Positive accumulator based on non-toxic eutectic gel to maintain positive temperatures.
– Made from rigid, impact-resistant, recyclable low-density polyethylene.
– It should be refrigerated before each use in a conventional freezer at -20ºC.

Flexible cold accumulator for isothermal box:
– Positive accumulator based on non-toxic eutectic gel to maintain positive temperatures.
– It is made from a highly resistant aluminised complex, adaptable to the shape of your product during its liquid phase.
– It should be refrigerated before each use in a conventional freezer at -20ºC.

Recycold® flexible cold accumulator in kraft paper:
– Fits the contents perfectly. It is practical and reusable and can be used only once.
– The freezing temperature is approximately -18°C and it can be used to maintain temperatures between +2 and +8°C, and between -2 and -5°C.
– Filled with 100% biodegradable cooling gel, making it suitable for food contact.

3. isothermal bags
Another classic for cold dispatch is the isothermal bag. Available with a zip or adhesive closure, they are made with a layer of metallised polyester which, together with the watertightness ensured by the closure, prevents any loss of cold.
Like classic packaging, isothermal bags are more economical than boxes, they take up less space and weigh less, which makes them cheaper to ship. It’s definitely an option to take into account when it comes to making small shipments.

Cooler bag with adhesive closure:
– Prevents sudden changes in temperature.
– Composed of a metallised polyester outer film, a white polyethylene inner film and a polyethylene foam filling.
– Practical with repositionable adhesive closure with 4 cm flap. Suitable for food contact.

Isothermal shopping bag:
– This is one of the most sought-after solutions for retailers. It allows 2 to 4 hours of controlled temperature and is suitable for food contact.
– Insulation is ensured thanks to a polyethylene exterior and a Velcro fastener.
– It also has nylon handles to support heavier weights and is customisable. In short, isothermal packaging is ideal for many shops.

4 Temperature indicators
Indispensable for many shipments. The temperature indicator is a perfect match for any isothermal packaging, as it has the function of demonstrating that no heat build-up has occurred during transport. This indicator is very important for guaranteeing the quality of products during transport and is being used more and more.

COLD descending temperature indicator:
– Helps to control whether products have been exposed to lower temperatures than desired.
– There is no need to activate it, as the indicator is always active.
– The display turns violet after 30 minutes of exposure to a temperature lower than that indicated.

WARM rising temperature indicator:
– Ideal for checking whether products have been exposed to higher temperatures than desired.
– Activated by pulling the tab.
– Three coloured windows gradually turn red to indicate how long the product has been exposed to temperatures higher than recommended.

5. Shipping labels for perishable products
Another essential product that is combined with isothermal packaging is the label for perishable products. As explained above, one of the markets that uses isothermal packaging the most is the food sector where its products are usually perishable. For this reason, the use of these labels, as well as indicators, is usually associated with thermal boxes or bags.

6. other isothermal packaging
So far we’ve only talked about temperature control during dispatch, but what about protecting products from shocks?
Isothermal bubble wrap and Recycold™ Climaliner isothermal paper are an ideal complement for padding the inside of boxes or wrapping sensitive products. They are specially designed for the thermal protection of food and pharmaceutical products at ambient, chilled or frozen temperatures.

Isothermal bubble film:
– Allows you to coat the inside of cardboard boxes to turn them into boxes capable of maintaining the cold chain.
– It helps to wrap shock-sensitive products and also to keep the temperature under control.
– It consists of a 90 micron polyethylene film and a layer of 12 micron metallised polyester film.

Recycold™ Climaliner isothermal paper:
– Guarantees the integrity of food products and respect for the cold chain.
– Guaranteed thermal protection from 10h to 48h with the use of cold accumulators.
– Flexible and lightweight, it fits easily into a kraft bag or cardboard box and wraps around the products. It adapts to the shape of your box or product.

Isothermal packaging is becoming increasingly popular in general shipping. Especially in food and e-commerce shipments. Controlling the temperature of products during 48 hours of transport is a before and after in this market. If you’re looking for temperature-controlled shipping solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 707 788 008 or contacto@rajapack.pt, and let our experts advise you!