Cat Mitton, customer service manager of Hydropac, a provider of temperature-controlled shipping solutions for the food, retail, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, outlines how ongoing cold chain packaging innovation will facilitate further growth for the sector in 2024.
The demand for temperature-controlled packaging solutions is growing. This poses an ongoing challenge for cold chain packaging providers as they work across industries to keep the integrity of temperature-sensitive shipments, intact.
In fact, as we enter 2024, we have just six years until the global temperature-controlled packaging solutions market is expected to approach $26.2 billion (by 2030). Increasing demand, tightening regulatory standards and expanding global networks, all pose their own challenges. But, the continued commitment of this sector to push boundaries will, I believe, continue to pave the way for an increasingly resilient, efficient and competitive cold chain ecosystem in 2024 and beyond.
What does 2024 have in store?
Tailoring solutions for unique challenges: Hydropac has been providing temperature-controlled packaging for over 20 years. We know that one size simply doesn’t fit all. More and more, brands are shipping temperature sensitive products and demanding packaging that aligns with their voice and values. I predict packaging solutions will continue to offer brands increasingly customisable and adaptable options, and these will meet the specific needs of different products and industries.
Continued cold chain packaging innovation will take brand power to the next level, allowing companies to embrace the advantages of brand recognition as they ship their products across the world.
The dual importance of functionality AND sustainability: Cold chain packaging will continue to embrace sustainable materials that not only enhance functionality but also prioritise eco-friendliness. Businesses, driven by increasingly stringent sustainability goals, are increasingly turning to cold chain packaging solution providers as integral contributors in achieving these environmentally conscious targets.
As preference, in fact, need, for eco-packaging increases, the industry will witness a surge in demand for compostable, recyclable, or reusable cold chain packaging materials – from small, individual ice packs to larger solution ranges. It will not be a case of whether a cold chain packaging provider can offer an eco-solution, but just how eco-conscious each solution is.
The winners in 2024 will demonstrate not only a commitment to sustainable packaging but also position themselves as an ally and partner to brands looking to reduce their eco footprint and appeal to conscious consumers with a sustainability ethos close to their hearts.
Smarter packaging: The continued integration of smart technologies within cold chain packaging solutions will only increase in 2024, driven by the desire to offer brands the very best in transportation tech when it comes to their temperature sensitive products.
For example, data loggers that record temperature over time, are now crucial for goods in transit. Coupled with remote monitoring technologies, stakeholders have the ability to access data in real-time, from anywhere in the world, ensuring that products maintain the required temperature.
The ever-improving visibility of the supply chain thanks to improving tech solutions will continue to increase operational efficiency and reduce the risk of product spoilage or damage. By leveraging real-time temperature data and analytics, businesses will continue to proactively address potential issues, ensure product quality, and maintain customer satisfaction.
I look forward to further advancements in this area as 2024 progresses.
The next wave of insulation: Recent advancements in insulation technologies have brought forth new options that offer enhanced performance and efficiency. Aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, phase change materials and passive and latent cooling applications are just some examples of the breakthroughs that will gain further prominence in 2024.
By embracing these advanced insulation materials, businesses can continue to elevate the thermal performance of their packaging and optimise temperature control during transportation.
In fact, we may well see more opportunities to successfully combine different insulation materials to further enhance thermal performance and temperature control – such as combining vacuum insulation panels and phase change materials to maintain consistent temperatures during longer transportation periods.
Automation: Automation has already reshaped the landscape of cold chain packaging by improving efficiency and precision. In 2024, we will witness the further integration of robotics in packaging processes – vital in assisting the industry keep up with growing demand.
Automation will continue to reduce the risk of human error, but also enhance the speed and accuracy of packaging operations, ultimately improving the overall reliability and compliance of the cold chain, at every stage.
So, there you have it. The growing demand for brand bespoke, visible, automated and sustainable temperature-controlled packaging solutions means that if cold chain packaging providers wish to stay ahead and competitive in 2024, innovation in these areas is key to ensure they keep up with demand and stand out from the crowd.
