May/June 2024 - 24

PMMI
THE ASSOCIATION FOR PACKAGING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
The science of cold chain
Correct temperatures can mean the difference between profit and loss
By Jorge Izquierdo
Guest Contributor
F
or many produce products, the
right storage and distribution
temperature is critical to maximum
shelf life and profits. Packaging that
ensures products are maintained under
frozen, refrigerated or chilled conditions
plays a major role in preventing
premature spoilage and food waste,
enhancing food safety, extending shelf
life and enabling wider distribution.
The market for temperaturecontrolled,
or cold chain, packaging is
growing and expected to expand at an
8% compound annual growth rate
through 2030, according to a report
from researchandmarkets.com.
A MATERIAL MATTER
Long used for temperaturecontrolled
packaging, expanded
polystyrene (EPS) is a hygienic and
moisture-resistant insulator. It is
lightweight and has excellent
temperature control, shock prevention
and stacking strength. Unfortunately,
EP has come under criticism because it
is a hydrocarbon-based plastic and is
often found in single-use applications,
which are not widely accepted by
current curbside recycling programs
in the United States.
However, curbside recycling
acceptance is growing as return
programs create circularity for the
material. In fact, the United Nations
Environment Program recently
recognized EPS transport packaging,
such as temperature-controlled
shippers, as a material that is recycled
in practice and at scale.
In addition, it should be noted that
life-cycle analyses, which consider
energy use, greenhouse gas emissions,
depletion of non-renewable resources,
water consumption and other factors,
show EPS scores better than
polypropylene or fiber-based
alternatives due to its lightweight and
energy-efficient production.
EPS packaging can also provide
better protection of vitamin C levels,
according to Korean Food Research
Institute research.
Nevertheless, concerns about the
sustainability of EPS have prompted
produce processors to seek alternatives.
This often has taken the form of
plastic-free packaging made from
fiber-based substrates. However, any
potential EPS replacement should be
carefully tested to ensure its
performance provides sufficient
shelf-life protection.
Whatever materials are chosen,
it's imperative to communicate
sustainability attributes to all
stakeholders, particularly consumers,
so they understand the positive
attributes of the measures taken,
according to Sustainability and
Technology - the Future of Packaging
and Processing, a report published in
May 2023 by PMMI Business
Intelligence, a division of PMMI,
The Association for Packaging and
Processing Technologies.
CONTROLLING THE VARIABLES
Selecting temperature-controlled
packaging can be tricky because
temperature requirements vary widely
depending on whether the produce has
been processed or is destined to be sold
fresh. Fresh produce can be especially
challenging because optimum
conditions can range from near
freezing to about 60° F, depending on
the fruit or vegetable being shipped.
Further complicating the situation,
shipping and storage times can vary
widely depending on transport method
(truck, rail, ship, air) and distance
to destination.
Help with temperature-controlled
package design and selection is
available from packaging providers,
testing labs and organizations like the
International Safe Transit Association
(ISTA), which launched an online
24 MAY/JUNE 2 0 24
http://www.researchandmarkets.com
May/June 2024

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