The online butchers market are set to rise too, with a predicted market share of 11.2% by 2027, which will account for £1 in every £9 spent on grocery.

We’re not just feeding ourselves well. The UK dog food market was valued at an impressive £1.84 billion in 2023. Home deliveries for dog food are becoming increasingly common.

The growth in these sectors relies on one key factor – temperature controlled packaging, which helps to ensure these products are delivered fresh and safe to eat.

Proper packaging is essential for transporting products that require a controlled temperature environment. Whether you are delivering pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, or other temperature-sensitive items, following the right procedures ensures your products reach their destination in optimal condition.

In this blog we’ll explore the different types of cold chain packaging solutions available as well as provide some tips on how to pack your products.

What is temperature controlled packaging?

Temperature controlled packaging (TCP), also known as thermal or chilled packaging, is designed to maintain a specific temperature range for perishable goods throughout the supply chain. Whether shipping fresh, chilled, or frozen foods temperature controlled packaging helps ensure that items remain in peak condition during transit.

A typical temperature controlled packaging solution consists of an outer cardboard box, an insulating liner, and a coolant such as ice packs or gel packs. These elements work together to maintain the required temperature, protecting the contents from spoilage or degradation.

Which services need chilled packaging?

Chilled packaging is most obviously used for food. Meal kits, fresh meat, and dairy products all require controlled temperatures to stay fresh during delivery. Beyond food, chilled packaging is also crucial for the safe delivery of pharmaceuticals.

Key sectors that benefit from temperature controlled packaging include:

Cold chain airfreight: For transporting perishable goods globally, ensuring they stay at the correct temperature throughout their journey.

Perishable goods delivery: For foods, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies, where precise temperature control is critical from the warehouse to the customer.

Bulk cold chain stock movement: For moving large quantities of perishable products, such as produce or seafood, through the supply chain.

What are the best packaging products to ship temperature-sensitive goods?

There are three main types of packaging in thermal solutions:

Boxes and liners: These shipping packs include an outer cardboard box and thermal liners. Used with the appropriate coolant, they are ideal for shipping frozen, chilled, or ambient goods. Some examples include:

• RecycoolMe: A sustainable solution made from recyclable paper-based liners.
• CooliMate®: Consists of a double-wall carton and metallised bubble liners, maintaining temperatures of 2-8°C for up to 48 hours.
• Coolants: To maintain temperature during shipping, you need coolants that suit the type of product you’re sending. Options include:
• Ice sheets: Available in multiple sizes, these provide clean and safe cooling.
• Gel packs: Contain highly purified water and maintain a stable shape when frozen, ideal for chilled products.
• Sorbatek: Designed for longer temperature control, particularly suited for shipping seafood.
• Bulk solutions: If you’re shipping large quantities of temperature-sensitive goods, bulk options like insulated pallet boxes, thermal pallet covers, and roll cage covers are available. For example:
• CooliMate® pallet boxes: Easy to assemble and perfect for bulk shipments.
• Breathable air cargo covers: Protect perishable goods in air cargo from temperature fluctuations, moisture, and contaminants.

How to pack chilled foods for transport

Perishable goods will often pass through multiple warehouses and vehicles, so maintaining temperature throughout the journey is crucial. Follow these steps for best results:

Prepare your packaging materials: Pre-assemble the outer boxes and liners before bringing products out of cold storage. Have your coolant, tape, and other materials ready to minimise the time your products spend outside refrigeration.

Limit exposure to warm air: Products should be outside of cold storage for no more than 20–30 minutes before being packed. Extended exposure to room temperature can cause your products to warm the coolant, reducing its effectiveness and cutting transit time.

Use proper coolant placement: Place coolants (ice sheets or gel packs) at the top of the package, as cool air naturally moves downward. This ensures your products remain at the desired temperature throughout transit.

Fill voids for insulation: Any gaps between items should be filled with a suitable void filler to prevent movement and provide additional insulation.

Choose the right coolant for your product:

• For goods to arrive ambient, use ice sheets conditioned to around 20°C.
• For goods to arrive chilled, gel packs or ice sheets are suitable.
• For goods to arrive soft frozen, use duration ice sheets or gel packs.
• For goods to remain frozen, dry ice is necessary.

Keep parcels in cold storage until dispatch: To maximise the effectiveness of your temperature controlled packaging, store your packed parcels in a refrigerated or freezer environment until the delivery vehicle is ready for loading.

Choosing the right chilled packaging solution

In today’s competitive market, effective temperature controlled packaging is essential for businesses shipping perishable goods like meal kits, fresh meat, and raw pet foods. With a variety of packaging options available, from eco-friendly boxes to advanced coolants, companies can find tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. By carefully selecting and packing your products, you can ensure that your temperature-sensitive goods stay fresh and safe throughout their journey to the customer.

For more information on choosing the right solution for your business, contact us today or download our full temperature controlled packaging guide.

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