WITH TEMPERATURES AS LOW AS –70 DEGREES REQUIRED EVEN IN TRANSIT, IT’S ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN THE COLD CHAIN AT ALL TIMES. BOXES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE EU.
Metzingen, December 2020. Corona vaccines need to remain frozen at all times when in transit. Some vaccines require a temperature of –70 degrees, which poses a unique challenge for shipment. However, manufacturers can rely on special insulated boxes that maintain the required temperature below zero in transit and protect the shipping goods from damage. Ideally, the thermoboxes should be qualified, meaning they reliably maintain the temperature of the shipping goods within a certain range for a defined period of time, with verifiable results. Cooling elements or dry ice, for example, keep the temperatures low.
Ice-Cold for up to 72 Hours
Storopack, the protective packaging specialist based in Metzingen, offers a variety of qualified solutions that cover various temperature ranges: down to –70 degrees, down to –20 degrees, and 2 to 8 degrees. Because different vaccines require different temperature ranges, manufacturers and distributors can select the appropriate transport solution. The duration of transport also plays an important role. Depending on requirements and the supply chain in use, the insulated boxes can maintain the required temperature for up to 12, 48 or 72 hours, which enables transport over longer distances, including routes through multiple EU countries, if necessary. Available as a single-use or reusable solution, the Storopack boxes are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP), both of which offer optimal insulation and outstanding protection for shipping goods.
For smaller shipment volumes, the vaccines can be stored in a separate container in the box (box-in-box solution). For larger batches, they can be transported in a thermo pallet shipper, a large, cooled container that can be placed on a Euro pallet. For vaccination teams treating less mobile people, Storopack also offers sealed and reusable small thermoboxes for the temperature range 2 to 8°C.
Transport Solutions Need to Be Available Throughout the EU
Availability of transport solutions throughout the EU is important for vaccine manufacturers, as it enables prompt delivery of COVID-19 vaccines from production centers in different countries to various destinations. With multiple production facilities in Germany, France, and Spain, Storopack offers short routes and can quickly adapt production capacity to changing requirements.