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The Disadvantages of Conventional Cold Chain Technologies
A cold chain is essential for protecting the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive products, such as food and pharmaceuticals, throughout the supply chain. However, most traditional cold chain technologies are unsustainable or prone to disruptions. Conventional cold chain logistics relies heavily on Active Cooling. Active systems like refrigerated vehicles contain cooling technologies that are driven by electricity or fuel to achieve the desired temperature for perishable items. Thus, active cooling usually utilizes non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels. Furthermore, in this case, the cold chain is prone to disruptions during the loading and unloading, unforeseen schedule changes, low levels of coolant, etc. These disruptions can damage temperature-sensitive products, which can even have adverse effects on the end consumer as these vehicles usually carry vaccines, medicines, or food.
Another significant disadvantage of refrigerated vehicles is that the compressors in these vehicles usually utilize greenhouse gases as refrigerants. Due to notable temperature differences between the outer and inner walls of these vehicles, owing to high environmental temperatures, these compressors need to be replaced more frequently due to a larger number of compression cycles per transport. When these compressors are discarded, they pose a threat of releasing greenhouse gases into the environment, which can contribute to global warming and climate change. Furthermore, active cooling systems may also lead to energy wastage due to unequal temperature distribution across the refrigerated vehicle.
Owing to these disadvantages, conventional cold chain technologies are unsustainable and can pose various threats to the environment. Hence, companies are switching to passive cooling based cold chain packaging which is more sustainable and energy efficient.
Unsustainability and Disruptions of Traditional Cold Chain Technologies
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Reliance on Active Cooling
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Non-renewable Energy Sources
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Prone to Disruptions: Loading/Unloading, Schedule Changes, Coolant Levels
Environmental Impact of Active Cooling Systems
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Refrigerants
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Frequent Compressor Replacements
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Contribution to Global Warming and Climate Change
Energy Wastage and Inefficiency
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Unequal Temperature Distribution in Refrigerated Vehicles
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Inefficient Use of Energy Resources
Consequences for Temperature-Sensitive Products and End Consumers
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Damage to Product Quality and Integrity
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Risks to End Consumers: Vaccines, Medicines, Food
Advantages of Passive Cooling-Based Cold Chain Packaging
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Sustainability and Reduced Environmental Impact
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation
The Benefits Of Passive Cooling Technologies
Passive systems are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional active cooling systems for cold chain transport. These systems utilize coolants such as dry ice, ice packs, or Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and insulation material to maintain the desired temperature for the transport of thermo-sensitive cargo. PCMs are a class of reusable and eco-friendly Temperature Regulating Materials (TRMs) which are polymer composites that can absorb, release or store latent thermal energy during their phase transition. Therefore, when paired with an insulating material, PCMs can hold the desired temperature for the cold chain for several hours.
Once charged before loading using a renewable energy source, PCMs can be filled in insulated containers to maintain the desired temperature throughout the duration of transport. Thus, these passive systems prevent the disruption of the cold chain during the loading and unloading of cargo, offer even temperature distribution throughout the container, do not rely on non-renewable energy or fossil fuels, and minimize energy wastage throughout the cold chain.
Therefore, the switch to passive cold chain technologies is the need of the hour to minimize the carbon footprint and environmental damage caused by the cold chain.
Zero Carbon Footprint Cold Chain Packaging by Ecoradix
At Ecoradix, we have developed a range of zero carbon footprint cold chain packaging solutions that are environment-friendly and reliable for the transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and food products. Our parcel and pallet solutions combine eco-friendly coolants (PCMs) for passive cooling with best-in-class insulation to offer reliable temperature control across different temperature ranges, durations, and payloads.
We offer a range of temperature-controlled containers that comprise an inner lining of PCM and an insulating layer created by Polyurethane Foam (PUF) or a Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP). These containers are specifically designed to maintain the desired (chilling, freezing, sub-zero, or ambient) temperatures for the short or long-haul transport of precious cargo.
All our cold chain products rely on energy-efficient passive cooling and are designed using biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable materials. Our product offerings include reusable and washable temperature-controlled containers and biodegradable and lightweight single-use cold chain packaging. Thus, we have eliminated the use of non-renewable energy and unsustainable or hazardous materials from the cold chain, thereby preserving environmental health and precious resources for future generations.
Our sustainable and cost-effective cold chain solutions integrate innovative and eco-friendly technologies to minimize the carbon footprint of the cold chain. Therefore, our technology maintains the efficiency of the cold chain while protecting our precious planet from the ill effects of conventional cold chain technologies.
