Insulated shipping container

Insulated shipping containers are a type of packaging used to ship temperature sensitive products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. They are used as part of a cold chain to help maintain product freshness and efficacy.

Construction
An insulated shipping container might be constructed of:
 * 1) a vacuum flask, similar to a "thermos" bottle
 * 2) molded expanded polystyrene foam (EPS, styrofoam, etc), similar to a cooler
 * 3) other molded foams such as polyurethane, polyethylene, etc
 * 4) sheets of foamed plastics
 * 5) reflective materials
 * 6) other packaging materials and structures

Some are designed for single use while others are returnable for reuse. Some empty containers are sent to the shipper disassembled or “knocked down”, assembled and used, then knocked down again for easier return shipment.

Use
Insulated shipping containers are part of a comprehensive cold chain which controls and documents the temperature of a product through its entire distribution cycle. The containers may be used with a refrigerant or coolant such as:
 * water ice
 * dry ice
 * jel packs (often formulated for specific temperature ranges)
 * Some products (such as frozen meat) have sufficient thermal mass to contribute to the temperature control
 * etc

A temperature data logger is often enclosed to monitor the temperature inside the container for its entire shipment.

Labels and appropriate documentation (internal and external) are usually required.

Personnel throughout the cold chain need to be aware of the special handling and documentation required for some controlled shipments. With some regulated products, complete documentation is required.

Design and Evaluation
The use of “off the shelf” insulated shipping containers does not necessarily guarantee proper performance. Several factors need to be considered:
 * the sensitivity of the product to temperatures (high and low) and to time at temperatures
 * the specific distribution system being used: the expected (and worst case) time and temperatures
 * regulatory requirements
 * the specific combination of packaging components and materials being used
 * etc

It is wise (and sometimes mandatory) to validate the performance of the insulated shipping container. Laboratory performance testing might include ASTM D3103-07, Standard Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Packages, ISTA Guide 5B: Focused Simulation Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Temperature Controlled Transport Packaging, and others. Validation of field performance is extremely useful.

Specialists in design and testing of packaging for temperature sensitive products are often needed. These may be consultants, independent laboratories, universities, or reputable vendors.

External links and resources

 * "Cold Chain Management", 2003, 2006,
 * Brody, A. L., and Marsh, K, S., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 1997, ISBN: 0-471-06397-5
 * Lockhart, H., and Paine, F.A., "Packaging of Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products", 2006, Blackie, ISBN: 0751401676