Cold chain logistics are crucial for the whole healthcare system. It would be impossible to effectively treat many conditions without medicine being available offhand. Yet, drug stores need to be restocked first – the medicine has to go from the laboratory to each location that it will be sold at. Optimizing this process is crucial, and one of the most effective ways to do it is by using hybrid containers. But, what are they, and why are they better than the traditional deep-frozen containers? We will explain that here – enjoy reading!
What are hybrid containers?
Hybrid containers are vessels used for storing and shipping goods that require low temperatures and particular humidity, such as foods, vaccines or medicines. What distinguishes them from other deep-frozen containers, is the fact that they use the energy of phase-change material (PCM).
As a result of their technological advancement, hybrid containers are capable of maintaining required conditions inside them without the need to be constantly plugged into an energy source. They are often able to recharge just through cold air, a vast amount of which is available in cool rooms or reefer trucks.
Regular deep-frozen containers are usually divided into two categories – passive and active. The former are capable to run independently while the latter to recharge. SkyCell, a Swiss technology company, was the pioneer who decided to combine these two features into one, thus creating the first hybrid containers. Even nowadays, this solution is only sold by a handful of companies.
How are hybrid containers better?
New technologies usually have an edge over the existing ones, and so is the case in cold chain logistics. Hybrid containers have a plethora of advantages, as they combine the best features of both active and passive storage solutions. The list of benefits includes:
- Long independent runtime – Depending on the manufacturer, the independent runtime of such a solution can last from 120h to even 270h.
- Energy-efficiency – Since they do not require a constant energy source and are able to recharge from cold air, hybrid containers consume far less electricity than the standard solutions.
- Error-proof – Hybrid containers have all the energy maintaining technology built into them. This means that anybody can handle them and there is no field for human error, making them the safest option for transporting sensitive goods, such as medicine.
- Adaptability to any environment – Traditional containers are usually problematic when there are shortfalls in infrastructure. Yet, the hybrid ones are capable of both an independent runtime and recharging, making them resistant to such issues and excellent for any type of environment.
Final thoughts
Hybrid containers are a kind of revolution – they are simply the best of the best available in the cold chain industry. Had it not been for the few manufacturers, they would surely become a standard. Thus, this is a solution worth investing in.
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