Top 5 Cold Chain Packaging for Pharmaceutical Shipping

Key Takeaways

• Cold chain packaging ensures pharmaceutical shipments maintain temperature integrity.
• Reusable systems like the CCT Advanced™ SU96 and Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice offer long-term savings.
• Single-use options like NanoCool™ and KoolTemp® GTS Rx offer flexibility and convenience.
• KoolTemp® GTS Evolution supports large payloads and long-duration transit.
• Mercury delivers expert logistics services and packaging solutions tailored to the pharmaceutical industry.

Delivering Precision in Pharmaceutical Logistics

Pharmaceutical shipping requires precise temperature control to keep medicines, vaccines, and biologics safe and effective. As part of the pharmaceutical supply chain, packaging plays a critical role in maintaining temperature consistency during transit. With stakes this high, pharma cold chain logistics must rely on packaging solutions that offer both reliability and compliance.

Pharmaceutical companies lose approximately $35 billion each year due to temperature control failures during transport and storage.

Reusable packaging can significantly cut costs and reduce waste. For instance, one case study highlighted annual savings of $2 million and eliminated 424,400 pounds of waste by transitioning to reusable containers^[1].

Here are five leading pharmaceutical packaging solutions tailored to temperature-sensitive shipping.

1. CCT Advanced™ SU96 VIP System

The CCT Advanced™ SU96 is a standout solution in pharma logistics. It combines vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) with phase change material (PCM) gels to maintain a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F) for up to 144 hours. This reusable system supports up to 50 cycles, making it a sustainable and cost-efficient option for the pharmaceutical value chain.

This system is designed to maintain temperature stability for over 96 hours under standard shipping conditions. With an extended packout, that time can stretch to an impressive 144 hours. Additionally, its hibernation feature keeps products within the required temperature range even during unexpected delays in transit.

The system doesn’t just excel in temperature control - it also addresses size and weight concerns. Compared to traditional single-use containers, it reduces both size and weight by up to 50%, all without compromising the protection of its contents. This is particularly significant given that more than 31% of healthcare shipments require refrigeration.

With its ISTA 7D-certified design and compact, reliable performance, the CCT Advanced™ SU96 VIP System is a game-changer for safeguarding high-value pharmaceuticals during long and complex shipping journeys. It meets the growing demand for efficient and dependable cold chain solutions.

2. Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice Shipping Container

The Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice Shipping Container provides ultra-low temperature control for pharmaceuticals, combining advanced phase change material (PCM) and vacuum insulation panel (VIP) technologies.

This container is engineered to maintain temperatures below -60°C (-76°F), making it a perfect fit for transporting ultra-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Thanks to its VIP insulation, it significantly reduces dry ice sublimation - using up to 75% less dry ice compared to conventional shipping methods.

This extended stability helps prevent temperature fluctuations during transit delays, eliminating the need for re-icing. It’s also qualified under ISTA 7D standards, ensuring reliable performance in diverse shipping scenarios.

Built with reusability in mind, the Crēdo Cube™ offers both cost savings and reduced environmental impact. With routine inspections, it maintains its top-notch performance over a 5-year lifespan.

Available in sizes ranging from 3L to 96L, the Crēdo Cube™ can handle a variety of payloads while maintaining consistent temperature control. Its fail-safe design and standardized coolant system ensure reliable performance across all sizes.

3. NanoCool™ Active Cooling System

NanoCool™ takes a unique approach to cold chain solutions with its active cooling system, specifically designed for pharmaceutical shipping. Using advanced evaporative cooling technology, it delivers cooling performance that's seven times more efficient than traditional gel packs or ice. This innovative system ensures the safe transit of temperature-sensitive drugs, featuring a simple one-button activation to start its cooling mechanism. Let’s dive into its key features.

NanoCool™ is designed to maintain a consistent temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F). It automatically adjusts to changes in ambient temperature and, in some configurations, combines evaporative cooling with phase change materials (PCM) for added temperature stability.

NanoCool™ systems are built to handle various shipping durations, offering flexibility for different needs.

The Extended Duration Systems are especially useful for longer shipments, providing extended temperature control without adding extra shipping weight.

While the NanoCool™ lid is designed for single use, the VIP-insulated container can be reused by replacing the lid. Additionally, NanoCool™ Universal Systems can be reconditioned and reused up to three times, provided they are properly maintained. This makes the system a practical choice for reducing waste and managing costs over time.

4. KoolTemp® GTS Rx Package

The KoolTemp® GTS Rx Package offers a reliable cold chain solution tailored for sensitive healthcare products. By combining proprietary PCM gel technology with advanced thermal modeling, it ensures dependable temperature control throughout transit.

The KoolTemp® GTS Rx Package is capable of maintaining precise temperatures for varying durations:

The use of proprietary PCM gel technology, combined with built-in temperature indicators, ensures consistent temperature control throughout the shipping process.

5. KoolTemp® GTS Evolution Pallet Shipper

KoolTemp® GTS Evolution is engineered for pallet-sized pharmaceutical logistics. It uses durable materials and reusable Koolit® PCM cassettes to maintain 2°C to 8°C or -20°C to ambient conditions for over 120 hours. This makes it an ideal solution for extended-duration shipments in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Its modular design supports seasonal pack-outs and fits both wide- and narrow-body aircraft configurations. With capacities ranging from 225L to 1415L, it accommodates large-volume shipments efficiently.

This system is designed for reusability, with Cold Chain Technologies offering refurbishment and reverse logistics services. The result is a cold chain packaging solution that reduces long-term costs while improving reliability and compliance.

How Mercury Supports Your Cold Chain Needs

Mercury understands the complexities of pharmaceutical supply chain management. With decades of experience in temperature-controlled logistics, we help you choose the right packaging based on shipment type, route, and regulatory requirements.

Our team assists with packaging procurement, validation support, and shipment monitoring, ensuring every product remains safe throughout its journey. We work closely with pharmaceutical logistics companies, biotech firms, and life sciences labs to reduce risks and improve delivery outcomes.

Focus on What Matters Most

Partnering with Mercury allows your team to focus on research, development, and delivering better patient outcomes—not worrying about shipping. We handle everything from pharmaceutical packaging solutions and courier coordination to customs clearance and tracking.

Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes and pharma supply chain issues. When you work with Mercury, you gain a dedicated partner who protects your shipments and enhances your performance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cold chain packaging system is vital for maintaining pharmaceutical product integrity. Whether your priority is reusability, extended duration, or flexibility, there’s a solution that fits your needs.

Mercury offers access to validated shipping systems and end-to-end pharma supply chain solutions to help you stay compliant and competitive.

Explore how Mercury can optimize your pharmaceutical shipping strategy. Contact our team today and build a cold chain process you can count on.