Top 4 temperature-controlled packaging solutions for perishable foods
Cold chain packaging is crucial for the food industry because it protects perishable products from modifying their size, shape and taste during transit. If the appearance and condition of food products are not met, the value of the product is lost, making insulated packaging essential. Not only that the perishable product loses its value due to temperature changes, but also enters a so-called danger zone where bacteria can grow and can lead to food poisoning.
Temperature-controlled packaging aims to preserve the temperature of your perishable product, minimizing any chance of heat transfer from outside. This keeps your temperature-sensitive foods in perfect and safe condition until they get to their destination. Without proper insulation, your products could be ruined and become unsafe to consume. So, the final question is: what temperature-controlled packaging solutions could prevent this?
Polylactic acid packaging
There is a wide range of temperature-controlled packaging solutions that can make sure your sensitive goods are transported at the right temperature. PLA or polylactic acid is a bioplastic made under controlled conditions from renewable sources. It is eco-friendly (can be fully degraded into carbon dioxide after composting) and has thermal insulating properties.
PLA packaging maintains the food temperature at approximately 4 degrees Celsius, for nearly 30 hours at an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius inside the room. PLA insulation also doesn’t release any toxic fumes when oxygenated, therefore highly sensitive goods will not get contaminated while in storage or transit, making this packaging solution popular for chilled packaging in the food industry.
The most popular PLA products that are used in transporting food products are:
- Self-sealing PLA insulation bags. This is used mostly in the food and beverage industry and the bags are 100% biodegradable, assuring solid heat prevention. These PLA insulation bags keep your products fresh from the loading moment until their delivery.
- PLA insulation with felt film: Similar to self-sealing bags, PLA insulation with the felt film is 100% biodegradable and is utilized to keep the products cold during transit. The only difference between them is that film is more flexible, and it can be adjusted to fit most carton sizes.
Thermal box liners
Insulated box liners are ideal for the food industry because they provide great thermal and shock protection. These box liners are OCC-E-certified curbside recyclable and made from renewable plant-based components and paper, using kraft paper as the principal ingredient. The box liners are sent and stored flat until they are needed, saving your business money and storage space.
EPS polystyrene boxes
Polystyrene has small air bubbles that stop thermal energy from passing through it, therefore a lot of companies in the cold chain industry use EPS polystyrene boxes as an effective thermal insulator for sensitive food products. EPS boxes are used in the cold chain industry for their excellent lids and superior insulation that keeps perishable products at the proper temperature throughout the whole transportation process.
Coolants
For temperature-sensitive and perishable products, EPS boxes such as fish boxes, vegetable boxes, and home delivery boxes provide high-quality thermal performance. They are also lightweight, robust, and stackable, and they do not promote biological development.
No sweat gel packs contain a non-woven-out layer that minimizes condensation, keeping your moisture and temperature-sensitive items dry and cold.
Eco-friendly gel packs can be found in different types of foil and produced from kraft paper to eco-friendly gel packs and they generate less pollution than standard gel packs. The exterior of the kraft paper absorbs the condensation that occurs when the product warms up, keeping it drier than the standard type.
Segmented Gel packs are intended to provide greater coverage for your products and to assure conditioned transit. The segmented range is also available in a variety of foil types.
Icepack sheets are manufactured following the food industry requirements. This three-layer ice pack sheet is a reliable choice that can be easily removed once frozen.
