Packaging types

1. Non-insulated
2. Thermal Blanket (TBL)
3. Passive Insulation (PAS)
4. Advanced Passive (PIP)
5. Classification Criteria: Passive (PAS) and Advanced Passive (PIP)
6. Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)
7. Active Containers
8. Reefer
9. Dry container

When building a Lane Risk Assessment (LRA) in Validaide, you are able to select different packaging types. Below you can find a description of these packaging types. 

Non-insulated

No additional material is used for packaging. Most likely will it will be shipped in a cardboard box.

Thermal Blanket (TBL)

Thermal insulating blankets are made from temperature-resistant materials such as silica fabrics, high-temperature fiberglass, calcium silicate fiber, silicone, PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric, aluminized fabrics, and SS mesh. There are many different types of thermal blankets with varying quality and thermal characteristics. Validaide does not (yet) distinguish between them, so it is advisable to document the specific brand and type of thermal blanket if known.

Passive Insulation (PAS)

Thermal packaging solutions that use insulation materials such as EPS, EPP, or PUR and exclude PCMs or use only a single water-based PCM. They are suitable for short-duration transport in low-risk, controlled ambient lanes.

Advanced Passive (PIP)

Advanced Passive packaging solutions use high-performance insulation materials (such as VIP or aerogels) combined with multiple or engineered PCMs, often in zoned or layered configurations, to provide bidirectional thermal protection (against both heat and cold) for extended durations. These solutions must be validated for at least 72 hours under ISTA 7D summer and winter profiles, making them suitable for global, high-risk lanes.

Classification Criteria: Passive (PAS) and Advanced Passive (PIP)

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)

Cell and Gene products need to have a product temperature of < -70 (DFR), and the packaging used is normally an LN2 container (Liquid Nitrogen).

Active Containers

A User can choose between two types of Active containers (Electro Active and Dry Ice Active) of packaging for Lane assessments on Validaide.

Active containers are most like refrigerators. They use mechanical or electric systems powered by an energy source, combined with thermostatic control to maintain product temperatures. Systems often require “plug-in time” to charge prior to use and at key touchpoints.

Active systems require a closed-loop distribution system to ensure appropriate maintenance and recovery of reusable equipment.

• Electro Active (ACT)

Electroactive containers are electrically controlled heating or cooling systems. It is possible to plug in. It is not necessary to recharge for a predefined period. It can be used for heating and cooling.

• Dry Ice Active (ACT)

Dry Ice Active containers are battery-operated and are only used for cooling. It needs dry ice and battery replacement.

In Ocean lanes 

For Ocean Lanes, the choice of Packaging Type is restricted to Non-Insulated, Thermal Blankets (TB), and Passive Insulation (PAS), as the other aforementioned packaging is not used for Ocean Lanes.

Reefer

Reefer is used to transport fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and pharmaceuticals. Reefer containers come with an integral refrigeration and ventilation unit that controls the temperature inside the container. Although a reefer container comes with its own mechanism to control the inside temperature, it needs outside power to run its functions.

Dry container

It is a standard container type with no additional refrigeration capabilities.