Custom-designed insulated packaging solutions

Sofrigam’s Design Office can adapt an existing packaging product or develop a new insulated packaging solution to meet specific customer needs.

Sofrigam’s three standard packaging ranges feature several types of temperature-controlled packaging including insulated pouches, refrigerated boxes and palletized-insulated containers that meet most cold chain shipping requirements for domestic or international transportation:

However the Sofrigam Design Office can help with more specialized requirements. This can either involve adapting an existing Sofrigam packaging product, or creating a new packaging solution. The development process of customized packaging comprises five elements.

1. Define specifications

The specifications are the foundation for the project design of an insulated or refrigerated packaging solution. As the core document for reference throughout the development of the project, it allows Sofrigam to ensure final solution precisely meets customer requirements in terms of storage temperature, product volume, thermal properties, logistical constraints, etc.

“The specifications allow us to bring together the expectations of the user and the technical constraints. Occasionally some characteristics desired by the user are not feasible: our role is to inform them beforehand. We review the specifications together and adjust them according to the user’s most important criteria and our own recommendations,” notes Sofrigam Design Office Head, Jérémy Clerfeuille.

2. Calculate packaging size

Sofrigam engineers first calculate the thermal balance of the packaging, using specifically developed proprietary software. This allows packaging to be accurately scaled according to its energy intake and insulating properties. The thermal balance data are then input into the digital simulation software, which refines the pre-sizing data. Engineers then define precise measuring points to ensure that the temperature remains consistent.

3. Proof Of Concept (POC) tests

Sofrigam’s partner laboratory, Ater Métrologie carries out precision temperature testing to prove design concept. Ater Métrologie climatic chambers simulate the logistics profile that the packaging will experience during storage and transportation. Temperatures, humidity and climatic conditions are reproduced in order to analyze the impact on the payload.

4.Packaging qualification

Following temperature testing, performance tests are conducted. We draw up a qualification dossier specific to the insulated packaging solution. It provides all of the information on the design (materials used, loading method, etc.), and the protocol for the climatic tests (number of tests carried out, simulation products used, calibration of measurement devices, etc.). It allows client pharmaceutical laboratory to justify the efficiency of the packaging solution to the authorities.

5. Training and technical support

As soon as the insulated packaging solution is delivered, Design Office teams provide technical support to ensure the efficiency of the packaging solution. They can train customer staff to use the packaging solution on client sites premises or by 3D video tutorial. They then provide continuous technical support to improve the solution if necessary.