va-Q-tec introduces new technology for shipments at -70 °C

va-Q-tec, the expert for thermal energy efficiency and temperature-controlled supply chains, is launching a new phase-change material (PCM) that enables transportation at -70 °C without the use of dry ice.

"-67G PCM is a high-performance latent heat storage material that makes the use of dry ice unnecessary for certain transport tasks. Dry ice is carbon dioxide (CO2) in a solid state that evaporates during transport and during storage. Accordingly, CO2 is released during its manufacture, storage, and transport. Dry ice is also a hazardous material, and, along with the safety precautions necessary during handling, is also subject to air freight restrictions," says an official release.

The new phase-change material is not hazardous in accordance with IATA rules, neither toxic or flammable, and can be reused hundreds of times without any loss of performance, the release added. "These characteristics make it extremely sustainable compared to dry ice. They also make it easier to plan logistics: dry ice is often not available in sufficient quantities at short notice. Conversely, shippers can have the cooled PCM available anytime. Therefore, biopharmaceutical companies can minimise the use of dry ice to situations where its use is unavoidable such as for long-distance intercontinental transport. In some scenarios within the clinical-pharmaceutical sector, maintaining a temperature of -70 C for extended periods during transport is necessary. When used in va-Q-proof packaging, the new -67G PCM is qualified for up to 72 hours below -60 °C."

Joachim Kuhn, CEO and Founder, va-Q-tec says: "Solutions with dry ice have disadvantages. With this innovative technology that does not require dry ice, we offer our customers and partners the possibility to choose the option that is most suitable for their specific application. In this way we can further limit the harmful effects and to some extent the hazardous handling of dry ice."