Recent Technological Advances in Cold Chain Shipping

New tools and methods regularly enter the cold chain market to help keep pharmaceutical products and perishable goods at the right temperatures during transportation. These cold chain technologies include smart sensors, innovations that create secure records of shipments and eco-friendly refrigerant solutions.

Your business can integrate these inventions without significant disruptions. Learn about the recent and future advances in cold chain shipping.

4 Advancements in Cold Chain Technology

Here are some developments that have improved the transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

1. IoT and Smart Sensors

Internet of Things (IoT) technology and smart sensors improve the way temperature-sensitive goods are monitored and managed throughout shipping. These technologies offer:

• Real-time monitoring: Smart sensors track environmental factors like temperature, humidity, light exposure and vibration. They help maintain product integrity by ensuring optimal shipping conditions.
• Comprehensive visibility: IoT sensors in trucks and containers provide logistics teams with complete supply chain visibility. These devices enable real-time location tracking of shipments so teams can act swiftly in response to issues like temperature excursions or delays in transit.
• Predictive analytics: By analyzing patterns and trends in the data collected from IoT sensors, these systems can help you anticipate potential irregularities. This predictive capability allows logistics teams to implement proactive measures to prevent spoilage and reduce waste.

2. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger technology that records transactions across computers. Each transaction or interaction is grouped into blocks and linked chronologically to create a permanent and immutable chain of records.

This unique structure provides unparalleled security, transparency and traceability for supply chain management. Benefits include:

• Visibility: Every interaction with the product is recorded on the blockchain, providing a complete and transparent history of the shipment. This makes tracking the product’s status, location and condition more manageable.
• Timely updates: When combined with predictive analytics, blockchain technology allows businesses to forecast package arrivals accurately. Shipping companies can update end users in real time.
• Dispute resolution: Blockchain’s transparency reduces the potential for disputes among stakeholders. With a record of each transaction, verifying claims and resolving shipping conditions or delay issues is easier.

3. Advanced Refrigeration Technologies

Energy-efficient refrigeration systems reduce electricity consumption, which lowers operational costs for cold chain shipping companies. These systems often use eco-friendly refrigerants with fewer climate impacts than traditional refrigerants. As regulations around harmful refrigerants tighten, businesses that adopt eco-friendly options are better positioned to comply with legal requirements and reduce potential reliability.

Other trends in refrigeration technologies include:

• Electric refrigeration systems: The adoption of electric refrigeration systems for cold chain transport is rising. These systems are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional diesel-powered units.
• Advanced temperature data loggers: These devices provide real-time monitoring of temperature conditions, allowing for immediate corrective action if deviations occur. This capability increases the reliability of cold chain operations.

4. Temperature-Controlled Packaging

Temperature-controlled packaging ensures pharmaceuticals and perishable foods remain at their required temperatures throughout transportation. Many packaging innovations exist in the industry, including:

• Phase change materials (PCMs): PCMs absorb and release thermal energy as they transition between solid and liquid states. This property allows the product within to maintain a stable internal temperature.
• Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs): VIPs use a vacuum-sealed core to minimize heat transfer and provide superior thermal performance compared to traditional insulation materials. They allow for thinner insulation layers, which reduces packaging size and makes this solution ideal for limited space.
• Aerogels: Aerogels consist of highly porous structures that provide thermal protection. They’re known for low densities and unique nanostructures that minimize heat transfer during transit.
• Eutectic plates: These plates are prechilled and inserted into the packaging to provide stable temperatures for extended periods. They’re reusable and recharge easily.
• Dry ice: Dry ice is often used in long-haul shipments requiring low temperatures. It sublimates without residue but must be handled carefully due to safety concerns regarding carbon dioxide gas buildup.
• Insulated containers: Insulated containers consist of multiple layers, including outer packaging, protective materials and insulated components to ensure their contents remain within the desired temperature range.
• Gel packs: Gel packs keep items at the right temperature when shipped in insulated containers. They’re more cost-effective than electric coolers and can be eco-friendly. Gel packs absorb heat from their surroundings without changing from solid to liquid, which helps keep the inside of the shipping container cool.

Benefits of Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Improvements

Improving cold chain technology offers various advantages, including:

• Increased efficiency: Better communication and coordination via technology can reduce delays and streamline the entire supply chain. For example, advanced coordination reduces transit time and improves inventory management.
• Cost savings: Efficient logistics processes lead to lower transportation expenses and minimized waste or spillage, contributing to overall cost savings.
• Improved service for end users: Technology enables efficient shipment routing and quicker delivery times. Data analytics also allow you to tailor your business’s services and communications to meet specific end-user preferences.
• Enhanced compliance: Automated tracking and reporting ensure compliance with cold chain regulations and standards. You can reduce the risk of penalties and improve your overall operational integrity.
• Sustainability: Route optimization and energy-efficient transportation lead to lower carbon emissions, which equals a smaller environmental footprint. Eco-friendly shipping solutions and packaging can align with your corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Future Trends in Cold Chain Technology

The cold chain shipping industry is evolving, driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and changing consumer demands. Here are some trends to watch for in the coming years:

• GPS and artificial intelligence (AI) integration: GPS-enabled devices in shipping containers can provide precise location tracking. AI can also help optimize labor efficiency, predict potential issues and manage cold storage inventory. This integrated technology will augment visibility and traceability.
• Fresh food technologies: There will likely be increased investment in packaging and storage technologies for fresh food. The global fresh food packaging market is projected to reach $87.20 billion in 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3% from 2025 to 2033.
• Drones and autonomous vehicles: Drones for deliveries are becoming more widespread, especially for temperature-sensitive goods that require quick transport. For example, drones could deliver medical supplies in remote areas. Self-driving vehicles may also play a role in delivery because they can operate 24/7 and reduce labor costs.
• Robotics and AI: Automation will become more prevalent in transportation to address labor shortages and boost operational efficiency. Robotics and integrated software solutions will streamline order fulfillment processes, including deliveries.
• Sustainability: With consumers increasingly preferring sustainable goods, cold chain companies must respond by adopting greener solutions. Businesses will likely shift toward biodegradable and reusable packaging solutions, such as gel packs made sustainably. Companies that adopt practices that reduce waste appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Keep Products Cold With Pelton Shepherd Gel Packs

Keeping products at the right temperature builds trust, protects products during transit and helps business’s stay competitive. When looking to adopt new technologies, focus on sustainable solutions and small steps. Gel packs are cost-effective and eco-friendly options for precise temperature control. Some are specially formulated to maintain precise eutectic points for beverages, food, pharmaceuticals and other perishables.

Pelton Shepherd provides modern gel packs that maintain temperature effectively so that your cold chain shipping operations can reduce energy consumption in refrigeration systems. You can easily integrate gel packs into your current processes and use them alongside future technologies. We also offer a Conditioning Operations, Logistics and Delivery (COLD) program that helps forecast your gel pack needs.

Explore our advanced products to improve your operations, or contact our team for any questions.