Molded Foam Packaging that Keeps its Cool for COVID Vaccine Distribution

The thought of getting life back to “normal” sounds exciting—especially when there are several vaccines in the final phases on the fast track for FDA approval. While everyone is hopeful about having an effective vaccine, there is still a lot to discuss when it comes to distribution and making sure the supply chain manages every dose securely and efficiently. With that, packaging is sometimes overlooked when it comes to products that go to market quickly. The reusable packaging industry is one that takes an engineered approach when it comes to packaging for safe transport. Special care must be provided with dunnage for pharmaceutical products—regardless of which medicine or vaccine it’s protecting. Specialty dunnage like molded polystyrene / polyethylene (PS/PE) is a hybrid bead that is ideal for shock absorption and maintaining cold temperatures. Cold chain conditions can make other materials rigid and easy to break. Therefore, molded foam is the best choice when it comes to protecting in cold or freezing temperatures.

As for designing a reusable dunnage insert for vaccines or other pharmaceuticals, molded foam allows for an increased quantity per container (QPC) that maximizes freight efficiency. SSI SCHAEFER can design a custom SCHAEFGUARD® solution around the exact geometry of the vail or bottle being transported. The molded foam reusable container can be used multiple times and then recycled, which saves on packaging costs. A reduced packaging size can save as much as 40%. The savings creates a lighter weight container that lowers fuel consumption and emissions throughout the supply chain. While these crucial design features seem like basic supply chain requirements, they are sometimes overlooked. As with any reusable packaging or dunnage question, feel free to contact an SSI SCHAEFER packaging expert. We’re happy to do our part in the fight against COVID.