How Packaging Plays a Vital Role in Cold Chain Logistics
By: Your Special Delivery Service Uk
Tags: Cold Chain Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Pharmaceutical

Transporting highly regulated products, such as pharmaceutical goods is an expert operation. These goods are extremely temperature sensitive and any deviation from the pre-determined threshold leads to damaged and unviable goods. In temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals, Cargosense estimates that 20% of temperature sensitive products are damaged during transit, due to a broken cold chain. This incurs thousands of pounds worth of damages, not just from the loss of product, but from clinical trials, replacement costs and wasted logistics. Furthermore, the move away from traditional chemical to gene and biological-based medicines makes temperature and time sensitivity even more critical.

Cold-Chain Packaging

Cold-chain packaging systems are integral to delicate shipments and preserving product integrity. They are designed to maintain specific temperature thresholds. This can range from room temperature controlled (20 °C to 25 °C) all the way to cryogenic (below 0 °C to -150 °C). The packaging can come in either passive or active form. Passive systems are usually insulated panels that have been pre-qualified to hold a specific temperature for a given length of time. Whereas active are usually leased containers with advanced temperature controls and typically used for larger shipments. The final choice of which system to use will all be down to the specific shipment requirements.

It is imperative to only use packaging systems that have been rigorously tested and pass all trials surrounding temperature control, alongside being able to handle vibrations and drops.

Temperature management is specific to each product and a logistics company must adhere to the label claim created by the manufacturer. The label claim essentially sets the clock for time out-of-refrigeration, to safeguard maximum product efficacy.

Lack of Visibility

In many pharmaceutical supply chains, there is less control and less investment taken to ensure proper storage, handling and distribution. Not all individuals that come into contact with the products are equipped or properly trained to handle sensitive or dangerous goods. This lack of visibility in the supply chain leads to an increased chance of damaged goods.

YSDS Way

However, at YSDS we do things differently, we have complete control over our entire operation. We use the latest cold-chain packaging technology to safeguard the temperature sensitive cargo. During the transportation process, regular inspections are conducted using temperature indicators, to guarantee the integrity of the goods throughout. Alongside this, each of our team members are up to date on all available training related to dangerous and sensitive goods shipping.

We are approved to ship dangerous goods (DG) internationally and are familiar with all IATA regulations. Furthermore, we are well-informed on all documentation surrounding dangerous goods, such as correct hazard labelling, UN-number and MSDS.

Our expertise and knowledge surrounding thermal packaging and how to correctly transport sensitive products means we have the capability to transport blood, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

If you would like specialist help to guarantee a safe delivery of your temperature sensitive goods, then get in touch today.