There is a science to temperature-controlled packaging – it’s not just about putting ice packs or gel packs in a box. Every product being delivered in chilled boxes or thermal insulated envelopes has different requirements, whether its fresh food or medical supplies. There are so many factors involved. That means taking into account not only the product, its dimensions and the temperature range at which is needs to be kept but also the likely length of delivery time and the mode of transport. Whether you are using ice packs or gel packs, staying within that temperature range is key to the success of your delivery.
It is vital to consider potential damage and the robustness of the packaging. And then there’s the bespoke mix of cooling agent and thermal insulation that is right for your needs.
We, of course, look to 100% sheep’s wool for our main insulator, which has been scientifically proven to outperform manmade pollutants such as polystyrene, while also having the sustainable credentials of being recyclable, reusable, compostable, biodegradable and abundant.
But there are so many other factors to add to the equation: do you need chilled boxes or more lightweight thermal insulated envelopes, what size should you choose, and what are the key components that you will put inside to protect your goods? Do you go for ice packs or gel packs packs, or even dry ice, and how are these best used within your packaging, not only to regulate temperature but to protect the contents from direct contact with the packs?
As innovators in this field, we provide this in depth expertise to advise you on the best options for you and your product, to help you avoid what so many experience if they choose cheaper or lower quality chilled packaging: a disappointed customer at the end of the delivery chain. That can mean rancid food, spoiled medical supplies or damaged and compromised goods. It can also mean a significant reduction in customer retention, and often without knowing why!
Too many producers find out too late that successful chilled packaging isn’t simply about placing ice packs or gel packs in with their goods – it’s about a holistic approach. So, the decision to go with what initial appears to be the cheaper option to deliver your produce can have knock on affects that bring higher costs further down the line and worse – dissatisfied customers.
The other thing to bear in mind is that, as the packaging sector moves to address the growing ecological demands of producers, simply going sustainable shouldn’t mean a loss of performance, or adding in amount of a material not inherently suitable for this purpose.
The secret is to choose a company that has been creating chilled boxes, thermal insulated envelopes and all kinds of controlled-temperature packaging using sustainable methods from day one, where performance is built into our green credentials – not a change in direction that has compromised our approach. Woolcool® was founded on sustainable ideals, but we have ensured that every step of the way we have backed our work with science – working with institutions such as Cambridge University and investing millions of pounds into research.
The result is a data-backed knowledge of sustainable temperature-controlled packaging, but also a pragmatic approach that looks at the bigger picture when it comes to ecological and social impact. That means looking at the question of sustainability in a holistic fashion, beyond knee-jerk decision making and marketing gimmicks.
For example, while other producers may rush to remove all plastics from their products, we accept that in some cases plastics remain the best option for safe and secure delivery of certain products.
The shift to sustainability isn’t about cutting out a material, it also isn’t about using substantial amounts of other materials and ice packs just to make something fit a rhetoric. This is not sustainable in the true definition of the work. Our belief is the right material, for the right application, in the right amounts, it’s all about getting the right mix for your needs. We believe in the core value of natural, its about balance. Too much of anything is a bad thing.
Everyone wants temperature-controlled packaging, whether its chilled boxes or simpler thermal insulated envelopes, and whether you use ice packs or gel packs, to be as sustainable as possible, but after then years of innovation in the field, we know it is not a simple thing to achieve.
By choosing Woolcool®, you can be sure of a sustainable solution, superior performance, cost effective and the most optimal amount material and ice packs, and you can benefit from unrivalled expertise and service that will help you get it right for your product and therefore your customer and business.
