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Temperature-sensitive packaging and logistics challenges unveiled

Readers reveal their key challenges and irritations related to temperature-sensitive product packaging and logistics in an exclusive survey.

Technologies used in in-transit temperature monitoring. Source: September 2013 Healthcare Packaging survey.
Technologies used in in-transit temperature monitoring. Source: September 2013 Healthcare Packaging survey.

Qualifying active and passive shippers for global use, global harmonization or standardization, and customs’ handling of temperature-sensitive shipments are among the primary challenges concerning temperature-sensitive product packaging and logistics professionals.

So say respondents to an exclusive Healthcare Packaging survey conducted electronically in early September.

Asked about the most irritating matter in keeping up with legislation, regulatory requirements, and government compliance issues pertaining to temperature-sensitive shipments, one survey respondent noted, “Legislation proclaims ‘how’ rather than being results-oriented, so it encumbers the process and discourages innovation.”

In this article, Healthcare Packaging presents many of the most thoughtful verbatim responses in a Q&A-style format, with questions noted in boldface type. Some responses were edited for clarity.


HCP: What is your primary challenge concerning temperature-sensitive product packaging and logistics?

“Compliance to the qualification and validation of the storage and transportation facilities in two seasons.” “Extreme distances and extreme temperatures.”

“The most important challenge is in logistics and transportation of 2° to 8°C products, since even in air shipments it is very difficult to ensure temperature compliance.”

“Avoiding temperature spikes and documenting the spikes that do occur.”

“The main thing is trying to manage the logistics involved with qualifying active and passive shippers for global use. Another big challenge centers around having the design qualification and operational qualification performed to my company’s ambient temperature profiles.”

“Ensuring [that] qualifications mirror real-world usage as closely as possible. Not only through the use of appropriate thermal profiles, but [also] by utilizing appropriate placebo product and pack-out conditions.”

“Finding qualified people to correctly activate the monitoring devices as well as retrieve the data.”

“Lack of infrastructure in various countries.”

“Shippers ignoring our storage requirements and maintaining control during shipping when shipments are out of our control.”

“Customs’ ability to clear temperature-sensitive shipments quickly—or provide correct and adequate storage to maintain required temperature.”

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LAST CHANCE TO SAVE! New Tech for Life Sciences at PACK EXPO Southeast